Scotland Rent Increase Laws: Notice Periods and Future Rent Controls

Scotland's rent increase framework is designed to give tenants stability while still allowing landlords to adjust rents to reflect the market. Unlike England (where Section 13 notices follow different timelines), Scotland's PRT has its own distinct rules.

Disclaimer: This guide provides general legal information for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a qualified Scottish solicitor for advice specific to your situation. Information last verified: March 2026.

Core Rules Under the PRT

Once Per 12 Months

A landlord may only increase the rent once in any 12-month period. The first rent increase cannot take effect until at least 12 months after the tenancy start date.

Three Months' Written Notice

A landlord must give the tenant at least three months' written notice of a rent increase using the prescribed form (a "Rent Increase Notice"). The notice must clearly state:

• The current rent amount.
• The proposed new rent amount.
• The date from which the increase will take effect.

If the notice does not meet these requirements, it is invalid and the rent remains unchanged.

Tenant's Right to Challenge

If a tenant believes the proposed rent increase is excessive, they can refer it to Rent Service Scotland for an independent assessment.

The Adjudication Process (From April 2025)

From April 1, 2025, the temporary rent adjudication modifications (including the 12% cap and tapering formula) have expired. The rent officer now determines the new rent based on the open market rental value of the property.

Key points:

• The rent officer can set a rent that is higher than the landlord's proposed increase if the open market value justifies it.
• The tenant can also appeal to the First-tier Tribunal if unhappy with the rent officer's decision.
• The rent officer's decision is based on comparable properties in the area.

Previous Temporary Measures (2022-2025)

• 2022-2024: The Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) Act 2022 capped most rent increases at 3% (6% in limited circumstances).
• 2024-2025: A transitional "tapering formula" limited adjudicated increases, with maximum cap of 12%.
• From April 2025: Return to open market adjudication.

Future: Rent Control Areas (RCAs)

The Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 introduces a framework for Rent Control Areas. Once fully implemented (expected ~2027-2028):

• Local authorities will be able to apply to the Scottish Ministers to designate specific areas as RCAs.
• In an RCA, rent increases will be capped at CPI + 1%, with an absolute maximum of 6%.
• The cap will apply both during tenancies and when re-letting to new tenants within 12 months.
• Exemptions are anticipated for new build-to-rent developments and mid-market rental properties.

Rent Between Tenancies

Currently, when a landlord re-lets a property to a new tenant (outside a Rent Control Area), there is no cap on the initial rent they can charge. The new rent is set at whatever the open market will bear.

Once Rent Control Areas are designated, landlords within those areas will also be restricted on the rent they can charge to incoming tenants, closing the current gap.

How Landager Helps

Landager tracks the 12-month anniversary of every rent increase. Its automated system ensures your Rent Increase Notice is generated with the correct prescribed form, providing the full 3 months' notice and documenting the open market comparables used to justify the proposed rent.

Back to Scotland Landlord-Tenant Laws Overview.