As a letting agent operating in Scotland, our role is to guide landlords, tenants and other stakeholders through a regulatory environment that is evolving rapidly. The Housing (Scotland) Bill  represents one of the most significant pieces of legislation for the private rented sector (PRS) in recent years. Here’s our take on this legislation;

What the Bill covers

The Bill introduces a wide range of reforms. Key areas include:

• The creation of rent control areas, where local authorities will assess rents and report to Scottish Ministers, and in certain designated zones rent increases could be capped.
• Changes to tenancy law – including evictions, deposits, pets, tenants’ ability to make changes to let property.
• Reforms around letting agents: registration, governance, reporting, information-sharing between landlords, agents and the government.
• Additional measures around homelessness prevention, and other housing-related matters (fuel poverty, mobile homes, new homes ombudsman).

In short: the Bill aims to deliver a “fair balance between protection for tenants and the rights of landlords.”

What we will do now

In preparation for the full effect of the Bill (note many provisions will be regulated and implemented over time) we will:

• Audit current practices: Review our letting agent registration status, compliance with the Code of Practice, landlord onboarding, tenancy documentation.
• Engage with landlords: Ensure they understand upcoming changes, the possibility of rent-control zones, additional obligations (e.g., pets, changes to property).
• Update service contracts: Consider amendments to cover new duties, additional services or cost recovery.
• Train our team: Ensure our staff are up to date with the new rights, obligations and regulatory requirements under the Bill.
• Monitor market zones: As local authorities will be required to carry out assessments and submit reports (for example by late 2026) on rent levels and increases, we will continue to track local rent trends to anticipate any designation of rent control areas.

Our Commitment to clients

At Abbey Forth, we’re committed to staying ahead of these legislative changes. We will:

• Keep you (landlords and tenants) informed when new regulations under the Bill are rolled out.
• Assist with updating your tenancy agreements, change of use (pets/alterations) processes and service contracts.