The amount of tenants challenging rent hikes in Scotland increased by eight times due to temporary restrictions, according to analysis from Generation Rent.
In light of this, the rental advocacy group has warned tenants may be at greater risk of higher rental hikes due to a recent lapse in Scottish rent control regulations.
In April 2024, the Scottish government brought in restrictions, which capped the amount landlords could hike the rent on their tenants to a maximum of 12%, and tapered based on the size of the increase.
This was introduced to support the transition away from the short-term rent cap that was in place under the Cost of Living Act.
But these temporary restrictions expired on 31st March.
Generation Rent has found that 899 applications have already been made to Rent Service Scotland since the restrictions were introduced in 2024 with 290 meeting the maximum hike of 12%.
This was a significant increase in caseload, from the 106 cases heard in the 12 months to September 2022.
With new rent controls not due until 2027, the advocacy group is concerned landlords will raise rents higher in the interim to recoup losses.
In absence of interim rent controls, Rent Service Scotland will use local open market data as a benchmark for determinations.
“We’re very concerned that landlords in Scotland will use the next two years to significantly hike the rent on their tenants before the proposed longer term rent cap becomes law,” said Dan Wilson Craw, deputy CEO at Generation Rent.
“Renters should be able to challenge a rent increase with the knowledge that they at least can’t make their situation worse. Our new resource gives people the tools to review recent decisions of Rent Service Scotland near them and make a more educated decision on the best approach to take.”
In response, Generation Rent has launched a new resource that maps rent adjudication cases to help tenants understand what Rent Service Scotland will likely dictate for their home.
