"No one place tells you what the rules are": Scottish landlords warn fragmented communication is leading to accidental rule breaking

Fragmented and inconsistent information is leaving Scottish landlords struggling to keep up with rapidly changing regulations - increasing the risk of accidental breaches across the private rented sector.

That's one of the key findings from a major new study exploring how landlords understand and comply with their legal obligations. It was commissioned by the SafeDeposits Scotland Charitable Trust.

The study, based on interviews with landlords across Scotland, found many are relying on a confusing mix of Government websites, council guidance, newsletters, online forums and "word of mouth" to understand their legal obligations.

One landlord interviewed for the report said:

"I think they change all the time and there's no one place that gets clearly communicated."

Another added:

"All the information I was looking for online turned out to be out of date, frankly wrong, even on the Government website."

The report found that while most landlords wanted to comply with regulations and viewed themselves as responsible providers of housing, many faced barriers including unclear guidance, complex rules, rising costs, and difficulties accessing tradespeople to carry out required work.

Researchers also found that landlords were more likely to be motivated by wanting to provide safe homes for tenants than by fear of enforcement action or penalties.

The research builds on findings from the SafeDeposits Scotland Charitable Trust's 2025 Voice of the Landlord Survey, which found that:

• Just 41% of landlords felt able to keep up with changes affecting the sector, down from 51% in 2024.

• Only 21% believed changes to the law were clearly communicated.

• One in four smaller landlords said they could not keep up with legal changes.

Other key findings from the report include:

• Many landlords rely on passive updates such as emails or media coverage, creating a false sense of confidence that they are compliant.

• Difficulties finding reliable contractors and tradespeople are causing delays to repairs, inspections and safety checks.

• Many landlords reported little or no direct communication from local authorities despite being part of Scotland's landlord registration system.

The research comes at a time when more than 330,000 households in Scotland now live in the private rented sector, and ahead of major upcoming reforms including proposed rent controls and new energy efficiency standards.

Key proposals from the Trust to improve compliance by landlords include:

• Creating a single "one-stop-shop" online hub for all current Scottish private rented sector regulation and guidance.

• Introducing clearer and more proactive communication to landlords when rules change.

• Expanding practical compliance tools including templates, checklists and step-by-step guidance.

• Providing targeted financial support to help landlords meet future energy efficiency requirements.

• Developing approved contractor and tradesperson lists to help landlords complete required works.

Dr Jennifer Harris, Head of Policy at SafeDeposits Scotland, said:

"Providing homes in the private rented sector is a significant responsibility, and landlords should have the support and clarity needed to meet the standards that are rightly expected of them.

"However, this research shows many landlords who are trying to do the right thing are struggling to navigate what has become an increasingly complex and fragmented system.

"Too often, landlords are piecing together information from multiple sources and hoping they have not missed something important.

"If reforms to the private rented sector are going to succeed, landlords need clearer communication, simpler systems and more practical support to comply with the rules."

Notes:

• According to the Scottish Household Survey there are 330,000 households in Scotland in the private rented sector. See: https://www.gov.scot/publications/households-in-scotland-by-housing-tenure-scottish-household-survey-2023/pages/characteristics-of-households-by-tenure/

• The 2017 tenancy reforms in Scotland included a new specialist tribunal for landlord and tenant disputes.

• The report, "Landlord Compliance Behaviour in Scotland's Private Rented Sector: Challenges, Limitations and Recommendations" can be accessed HERE.