State of the Nation: Living and Letting in Scotland's Private Rented Sector

The State of the Nation report takes a closer look at what it's like to rent and let homes in Scotland. It brings together key findings from the 2024 Voice of the Tenant and Voice of the Landlord surveys.

Funded by the SafeDeposits Scotland Charitable Trust, the surveys reflect the views and experiences of over 1,000 tenants and nearly 1,200 landlords across Scotland. They cover key issues like affordability, property conditions, and changes in housing legislation.

The findings highlight both positive experiences and key challenges, providing useful insight and recommendations aimed at driving positive change across the sector.

Key findings

Affordability is a Challenge

While most tenants are up to date with rent, 32% say they struggle to afford it, and 49% have had to cut back on essentials like food or heating to keep up with payments.

Landlords are seeing the effects too, with 13% reporting rent arrears among their tenants - although most (88%) have taken steps to address the problem.

Property Conditions and Access to Redress

Most tenants (91%) say their home is in acceptable, good, or excellent condition, and most landlords or letting agents do respond to repair requests. However, almost half (45%) of tenants don't know where to turn if their landlord failed to resolve a housing problem.

For the small number of tenants (13%) who did take issues further - for example, to their local council or Housing Tribunal - 92% were satisfied with the outcome. This shows redress systems can work well but are underutilised.

Awareness and Understanding of Rights

The research shows that many tenants and landlords aren't fully aware of their rights, responsibilities, or recent changes to housing law. Half of landlords struggle to keep up with legal changes that affect their rental properties. Only 19% of tenants, and 40% of landlords said they understand the upcoming Housing (Scotland) Bill. Just 38% of tenants remember getting the required tenancy information when they moved in.

Experiences Vary - Especially for Vulnerable Tenants

Most tenants (72%) say they have a good relationship with their landlord/agent. But this isn't true for everyone, particularly those considered vulnerable, who are more likely to report challenges. At the same time, 42% of landlords say they're dissatisfied, often due to concerns about new regulations.

A Changing Rental Landscape

Finding a home can be challenging. For example, 59% of tenants said it was difficult to find a rental property, and many landlords are choosing to sell. Of the properties sold, only 1 in 10 stayed in the private rented sector, most became owner-occupied homes. Nearly one-third of landlords plan to sell some or all their properties, with only 7% planning to buy more.

A Call to Action

The findings highlight the urgent need for a more supportive and accessible rental market that works for everyone. This means offering early help to tenants struggling with rent, simplifying how problems are resolved, and ensuring tenants and landlords clearly understand their rights and responsibilities.

It also calls for targeted reforms to support those facing the greatest challenges in finding stable, affordable homes. Finally, to ensure a stable rental market, the Scottish Government should closely monitor landlord trends and take action to support long-term affordable housing options.

Read the report here.