Landlords are being urged to prepare for the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025, as Scottish agency DJ Alexander warns many may underestimate its impact.
The Act, which has now received Royal Assent, will be phased in over several years. Local authorities must submit assessments of rent conditions across Scotland to the Scottish government by 31 May 2027. Based on these assessments and subsequent regulations, ministers can designate areas for rent control, expected to take effect by mid to late 2027 or early 2028.
Kevin Fraser, the managing director of DJ Alexander Scotland, commented: “While the timescale for implementation of the Housing (Scotland) Act may seem some way off it is essential for landlords to ensure that they are prepared now for the implications it will have on their business. This is a major piece of legislation that impacts the legal, regulatory, and financial operation of the private rented sector (PRS) and landlords need to be aware that their business will be affected.”
Fraser highlights that landlords must ensure that they know precisely how this legislation will affect their ability to operate, their profitability, and their relationship with the regulatory bodies and with their tenants.
He continued: “With the majority of landlords in Scotland operating between one and five properties it can be difficult to find the time to understand fully the implications of changing legislation. This Act will potentially limit the amount landlords can raise rent; it may force landlords to allow tenants to make alterations to properties and to have pets; and it has the potential to have a serious impact on the viability and profitability of homes in the letting sector. But there are solutions to ensure that landlords can continue to operate a successful letting business with the right information and advice.
He added: “Renting properties has never been more complex, and the sector has faced unprecedented change over the last decade. Landlords understand the need to keep ahead of these changes to ensure their business is compliant and profitable.
The introduction of this Act has prompted DJ Alexander to put on two free landlord events in Edinburgh on 26 November and Aberdeen on 27 November to provide a full range of accountancy, financial, legal and property advice to ensure that landlords can confidently and assuredly face up to the challenges posed by the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 and be ready for its implementation in the coming years.
“I look forward to personally welcoming everyone interested in finding out more about how this Act will impact upon their business and the wider private rented sector,” Fraser added.
