If you let property in Glasgow, rent control is the change to understand this year. Here is what the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 actually does, when it takes effect, and the practical steps to prepare - without the jargon.
What is changing?
The Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 received Royal Assent on 6 November 2025 and introduces a system of long-term, evidence-based rent control under Part 1 of the Act. Where a Rent Control Area is designated, annual rent increases are capped at CPI plus one percentage point, with a hard ceiling of 6% in any one year - and the cap applies both during and between tenancies. Mid-market rent, build-to-rent and purpose-built student housing are exempt.
When does it start?
The framework went live in April 2026. The first phase focuses on local authorities gathering evidence: under the Act, every council must complete its first rent condition assessment by 31 May 2027 (and every five years after that), and a Rent Control Area can only be designated with Scottish Ministers' approval after that evidence is in. In practice, no area is expected to be designated before late 2027 - so there is time to prepare.
How rent increases already work in Scotland
Even before Rent Control Areas apply, every private tenancy since 1 December 2017 is a Private Residential Tenancy under the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016. That means you cannot raise the rent in the first 12 months, and after that no more than once every 12 months, with proper notice.
- No increase in the first 12 months of a tenancy
- A maximum of one increase every 12 months
- Tenants can refer a proposed increase to the First-tier Tribunal
The improvement exemption - why it matters
The Act provides for exemptions that allow rent to rise above the cap in prescribed circumstances - including where a landlord has significantly improved a property, for example a new kitchen or bathroom, or energy-efficiency upgrades. The detail is being set in secondary legislation, so the exact rules may evolve - but good record-keeping and quality work will make any application far easier to evidence.
What Glasgow landlords should do now
- Keep clear records of any improvements and their cost
- Review your rents against the market annually so you are never caught out
- Make sure every tenancy is a compliant PRT with correct notice periods
- Take advice before any above-cap increase, especially once areas are designated
We manage all of this as standard for the landlords we work with, including annual rent reviews and full compliance. If you would like to know where you stand, we are always happy to talk it through.
Frequently asked questions
When do Scottish rent controls start?
The Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 framework went live in April 2026, but councils must first complete rent condition assessments (due by 31 May 2027), so no Rent Control Area is expected to be designated before late 2027.
How much can rent rise under Scottish rent controls?
In a designated Rent Control Area, annual rent increases are capped at CPI plus one percentage point, with a maximum of 6% in any single year.
Can I still increase rent after improving my property?
Yes. The Act includes an improvement exemption that may allow an increase above the cap where you have invested significantly in the property, subject to evidence and the current guidance.
This article is general information, not legal or financial advice. For guidance on your circumstances, get in touch.