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The Housing (Scotland) Bill has passed, but change is still some way off
The Bill completed Stage 3 in the Scottish Parliament on 30 September, leaving Royal Assent as the final step before it becomes law. The legislation provides a framework for rent control, fresh rights for tenants to keep pets, and stronger tools to prevent homelessness. However, most of the key measures require further consultation and regulations, meaning agents and landlords are unlikely to see rent controls in place until 2028.
Rent controls and exemptions under the spotlight as Housing Bill reaches final stage
Stage 3 proceedings for the Housing (Scotland) Bill began on 23 September 2025 in the Scottish Parliament. MSPs are considering around 400 amendments over two days before holding a final vote on whether the Bill should become law. This marks the last opportunity to shape one of the most significant reforms to renting in Scotland since the introduction of the Private Residential Tenancy.
Exemptions regime must be balanced and incentivise upgrades
Propertymark has responded to the Scottish Government’s consultation on how powers in the Housing (Scotland) Bill could be used to exempt properties from rent control, allow rents to rise above the cap in certain circumstances, and change the way joint tenancies are ended.
Building the best future for the Scottish housing sector?
The Scottish Government has set out detailed plans to tackle Scotland’s ongoing housing challenges in its Programme for Government 2025-26, with significant implications for property agents across the country. Propertymark welcomes the renewed focus on affordable housing and tenant protections, issues we have consistently highlighted through our policy engagement, particularly with regard to the Housing (Scotland) Bill. However, we reiterate our stance that truly resolving Scotland’s housing crisis requires the Scottish Government to urgently reassess the broader financial landscape affecting housing.