Rent data requests

This month the rent control framework in the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 comes into force. While rent increases won’t be restricted until late 2027 at the earliest, from 1 April 2026 local authorities are required to carry out assessments of rent conditions in their areas and submit a final report to the Scottish Government by 31 May 2027. Follow up assessments must then be done at least once every 5 years. These assessments will inform decisions on whether to designate a rent control area, within which rent increases will be capped at CPI + 1% (up to a maximum increase of 6%).

From 1 April 2026, the Scottish Government and local authorities can ask landlords and tenants for information about rented properties and the rent charged. This is to help ensure assessments of rent conditions and any decision to introduce a rent control area is based on robust evidence. Failing to supply rent data within 28 days of such a request, or providing false information, can result in a fine of up to £1000 being levied by the tribunal.

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