New survey reveals nearly a third of renters in Scotland struggling to keep up with rent

The SafeDeposits Scotland Charitable Trust has today published the second wave of its Voice of the Tenant Survey. Building on the success of last year's inaugural study, this annual national survey offers fresh insights into tenants' experiences and perspectives across Scotland's private rented sector, providing valuable evidence to inform policy, practice, and public debate. Conducted with 1,004 tenants across the country, the representative survey covers a range of important topics including affordability, security of tenure, property conditions, and energy efficiency.

Why this research matters

This research provides a clear, independent snapshot of what renting in Scotland really looks like today. Grounded in tenants lived experience, it captures how people are navigating affordability, security, and standards across the private rented sector.

As an annual survey, it also tracks how those experiences are changing over time, offering valuable insight into the impact of policy and legislative reform. At a time of ongoing cost pressures and housing supply challenges, credible data like this is more important than ever, helping to inform better decisions, strengthen debate, and ensure tenants' voices are heard.

Key findings

• Almost one in three renters facing affordability pressures

Almost one in three (29%) private tenants in Scotland said they struggled to pay their rent in the past year. While slightly down from 32% in 2024, this still represents a significant proportion of households. By comparison, 35% reported that their rent was affordable.

• Tenants cutting back on essentials to keep up with rent

Nearly half (47%) regularly reduced spending on household essentials to meet rental payments. A third (34%) also reported difficulty paying energy bills.

• Rent increases still affecting a substantial minority

Although 59% did not see their rent rise in the past 12 months, 41% did - increasing to almost half of tenants in Edinburgh and Glasgow, pointing to ongoing regional cost pressures.

• Barriers to accessing housing

Nearly three-quarters (73%) of tenants said they encountered significant challenges when looking for a property, in line with last year's findings.

• Affordability the biggest obstacle to moving

One in four (40%) tenants and nearly half of those who moved in the last year - identified finding an affordable home as the main barrier when searching.

• Security and satisfaction remain relatively strong

Despite financial strain, 76% of tenants said they feel secure in their homes and 71% feel satisfied renting. Dissatisfaction has edged down slightly, from 12% in 2024 to 10%.

Implication

The findings highlight ongoing financial pressures and barriers to accessing affordable housing for many tenants. Addressing these challenges will require collaboration across the sector. Policymakers, landlords, and sector partners can use this evidence to guide evidence-led practical measures that ease cost pressures, improve access to homes, and strengthen support, helping to create a private rented sector that is fair, stable and sustainable.

About the Survey

This is the second wave of the Voice of the Tenant Survey Scotland, a research initiative commissioned by the SafeDeposits Scotland Charitable Trust. The survey builds on the Trust's Voice of the Landlord Survey, with the second wave having been published in February 2026.