View the full text of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 →
Propertymark will continue to engage with Ministers and stakeholders, closely monitor commencement orders and draft regulations as they are published, and provide updated resources and support to members as the Act is implemented.
Access our member toolkit
Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 Toolkit
The toolkit breaks down the Act and its implementation, including guidance, fact sheets, timelines, and resources to help you prepare for the changes.
1 April 2026 changes to the letting agent register
The Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 makes a number of changes to the letting agent register to improve transparency and strengthen oversight.
Immediate changes letting agents must make
- Review business ownership structures and identify anyone who owns 25% or more of the company, partnership, or body, as they will have to provide details upon registration.
- Make sure this ownership information is ready to be included in any new application or renewal.
- Check that all details currently held on the letting agent register are accurate and up to date.
- Include your letting agent registration number on social media posts, digital adverts, property portal listings, email marketing, and website content where properties or letting services are being advertised, to reflect the requirement to display it in property advertisements and communications.
- Put internal processes in place so any future prescribed information can be updated promptly.
- Be aware that a refusal or removal from the register will now remain visible for three years, instead of 12 months.
- Understand that Scottish Ministers have updated powers to request information and inspect records as part of register oversight.
Representing members
Propertymark’s members are frustrated that, despite Scotland’s severe shortage of rental homes, the Act focuses on rent controls rather than increasing housing supply. With Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates frozen, punitive taxes on landlords, and the Additional Dwelling Supplement now at 8%, the Scottish Government has not introduced policies to incentivise investment in the Private Rented Sector (PRS).
Lobbying letter
Decision to raise Additional Dwelling Supplement to 8%
There is high demand for private rented property and raising Additional Dwelling Supplement will further discourage new landlords to take on much-needed private rented property to let.
The Scottish Government’s continued quest for rent control and restrictions on rent increases are laid bare in the Housing (Scotland) Bill. The measures will do nothing but add extra burden on landlords and local authorities with no additional reward for tenants at a time when resources and finances are under extreme pressure.
The long-term aim for the Scottish Government must be to re-balance supply and demand levels for private rented property. A review of all recent tax changes that impact private landlords is urgently needed and must form part of these reforms.
