Changes to housing legislation

Important updates landlords and tenants need to know

The Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 introduces a number of important changes to lettings that will soon take effect. From 6 October 2026, the following legislative changes come into force:

1. Awaab’s Law

Landlords will have a legal duty to respond to reports of damp and mould and make any required repairs within specific timescales. The following reference guides have been published, outlining the changes:

• Tenant guidance

• Tenant guidance (easy read)

• Landlord guidance

• Landlord guidance (easy read)
  

2. Inheriting a private residential tenancy when the tenant dies

A qualifying person will be able to inherit a private residential tenancy after living in the property for 6 months, down from the previous requirement of 12 months.

3. Wrongful termination payments

When a tenant’s private residential tenancy has been wrongfully terminated, the amount the First-tier Tribunal can award them will be increased between 3 and 36 months’ rent.

From 6 October 2026, the Private Rented Sector Model Tenancy agreement and Easy Read and Statutory Terms: Supporting Notes will be updated to reflect these changes.

For more information about the Housing Scotland Act 2025, visit Private renting - gov. scot. For any questions, please email housing.legislation@gov.scot.