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17/12/25 3:30 pm
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Scotland’s rent control framework has fundamentally reshaped the private rental market since the introduction of emergency legislation in late 2022. For landlords and agents operating north of the border, understanding these rules and their legacy is essential. The Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022 established the statutory basis for Scotland’s rent freeze, rent cap, and eviction ban, shaping current and future policy.
In response to the cost of living crisis, the Scottish Parliament enacted the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022, which brought in:
These measures were designed as temporary protections and were extended twice, ultimately expiring on 31 March 2024. The Act also empowered Scottish Ministers to make further regulatory changes or extend protections (for up to a year at a time), and required regular reporting to the Scottish Parliament on their impact. For the full legislative documents, visit the Scottish Parliament’s dedicated Bill page.
The Scottish experience is a reference point for any landlord or agent concerned about potential rent caps elsewhere in the UK. Key points:
For practical advice and compliance guidance, landlords can benefit from partner resources such as mydeposits Scotland for deposit protection, Total Landlord for insurance and risk management, and Landlord Action for possession and legal support relating to Scottish cases.
For more in-depth analysis and further details, see the full Act and supporting documents here (Scottish Parliament) and the legislation text (legislation.gov.uk).
What is Scotland’s rent freeze and when did it end?
Scotland’s rent freeze was an emergency response to the cost of living crisis, in force from October 2022 to March 2024. The Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022 gave statutory effect to the freeze and subsequent rent cap.
How did the rent cap and exceptional increases work?
From April 2023, the cap allowed maximum annual rent increases of 3%. To apply for up to 6%, landlords had to make a formal application to Rent Service Scotland, supplying evidence of significant cost increases from the preceding six months. See the Scottish Government Rent Service Scotland for the application process.
What did the eviction ban mean in practice?
Most eviction orders could not be enforced for up to six months—except for certain exceptions (such as anti-social behaviour, abandonment, financial hardship, or mortgage lender recovery). Read more on managing evictions with legal support.
Were there exemptions?
Social housing was exempted from rent control from February 2023. Student accommodation was removed in March 2023 after evidence of limited impact. These measures only applied to existing tenancies, not to new tenant contracts.
What happens now that the emergency measures have ended?
Scotland reverted to its pre-pandemic rent adjudication and notice rules but intends to develop a long-term rent control policy. Transitional rules around rent adjudication may still be updated, so it is vital for landlords to stay informed.
Where can I find support on compliance and regulation?
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