In March 2024 the Scottish Government introduced the Housing (Scotland) Bill, proposing a long-term system of rent control for Scotland.

The Bill would authorise Scottish Ministers to recommend Private Residential Tenancy areas for rent control, dependent on thorough evaluation and review. The local authority would conduct an assessment of rents in a proposed area, and also consult with representatives of affected landlords and tenants. If the Scottish Ministers are satisfied the evidence supports capping rent increases, the area may be designated for rent control, with the Scottish Parliament providing final approval.

An April 2025 amendment presented by the Scottish Government detailed rent increases would be based on the lower of:

the Consumer Price Index annual rate of inflation plus 1%, or
6%

For Private Residential Tenancies in areas approved for rent control, the rent cap would limit rent increases to one per property per year, meaning rents couldn’t be raised if tenants change during that period. The cap would apply both during and between tenancies to stabilise rent levels and avoid the potential for steep increases. If a tenancy was affected by rent controls, the cap would also provide tenants with transparency on their costs.

The Scottish Government has also brought forward a consultation to allow exemption from rent control for certain properties under certain circumstances. Regulations around what would exempt a property are being considered in tandem with the Parliamentary process.

The consultation is published and open to responses until 18 July 2025. You can access the consultation and provide feedback here: Housing (Scotland) Bill - Scottish Government consultations - Citizen Space.