Rent Controls in the Housing (Scotland) Bill 2025: When Will They Come Into Effect?

Written by: Mike FitzgeraldNovember 6, 2025

The Housing (Scotland) Bill 2025, currently awaiting Royal Assent, introduces a major change: giving local authorities the power to propose Rent Control Areas (RCAs) in response to affordability pressures. While the exact timing of Royal Assent is uncertain, it is expected before the end of 2025.

How Will RCAs Be Designated?

RCAs will not be introduced automatically. Local authorities must seek approval from the Scottish Ministers, and an RCA can cover either an entire local authority area or specific parts.

By 31 May 2027, each local authority must:

  • Assess rent levels under relevant tenancies in their area.
  • Evaluate the rate of rent increases.
  • Examine the impact of rent levels and increases on properties, tenants, and landlords, in rural areas.
  • A report based on this assessment must then be submitted to the Scottish Ministers.
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Challenges for Local Authorities

This process may be challenging because:

  • There is no centralised rental data (unlike property sales, which are recorded by the Registers of Scotland).
  • Local authorities face budget and resource constraints, making it likely they will need the full period up to May 2027 to complete their assessments.

Role of the Scottish Ministers

After receiving a report, the Scottish Ministers must review it “as soon as reasonably practicable.” If they decide to designate an RCA, they must be satisfied that:

  • Rent restrictions are necessary and proportionate to protect tenants’ social and economic interests.
  • Controls are a necessary and proportionate regulation of landlords’ property use.

It will be interesting to see how the Scottish Ministers meet these legal tests. They might be fertile territory for legal challenge and debate.

Before finalising any RCA designation, the Ministers must conduct a public consultation lasting at least 8 weeks.

Expected Timeline

Although rent controls are a current topic, RCAs are unlikely to be implemented before mid to late 2027, unless local authorities submit their reports well ahead of the May 2027 deadline. Our current view is that this is unlikely, but we will monitor progress and update you if it looks as if timings will accelerate.

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Advice for Landlords

We recommend however that Landlords should ensure now that current rents (and those over the next 12-24 months) remain at market level for the size, condition, and location of their properties. Our view is that RCAs are highly likely in urban areas given current political priorities – unless the 2026 Scottish Parliament election significantly alters the political landscape and policy in relation to housing. That currently seems unlikely.

Our next update will explore the mechanisms for rent control and potential exemptions

Get in Touch

At Stand Property, we’re always here to provide clear guidance and support for Scottish landlords. If you have any questions about Residential Lettings in Scotland or would like to discuss any of the points mentioned in this article, our experienced team would be delighted to assist. You can contact us by email at info@standproperty.co.uk or by phone on 01334 477011 (St Andrews) and 0131 6656677 (Edinburgh).