Scottish landlords face challenges with housing law changes

More than one in five landlords in Scotland admit they are finding it difficult to navigate the evolving legal landscape of the PRS.

According to research by the SafeDeposits Scotland Charitable Trust, 21% of landlords say they struggle to stay informed about legislative changes impacting them.

Meanwhile, just over half (51%) feel confident in keeping pace with these updates.

Landlords need to understand

The organisation’s head of policy, Dr Jennifer Harris, said: “Ensuring landlords and tenants fully understand their legal rights and obligations should be at the heart of a healthy rental market.

“It is therefore concerning that so many are struggling to keep up to speed.”

She added: “Work is clearly needed to improve the way changes to the sector are communicated to ensure all landlords know what is expected of them, and tenants understand, and can enforce, their rights.”

Better communication needed

The survey, which polled 1,100 landlords, underscores a broader issue: the clarity of communication surrounding legal reforms.

Nearly two in five landlords (39%) believe that changes to rental laws are not adequately explained.

That compares to only 28% who find the information clear and accessible.

The SafeDeposits Scotland says it carried out the study to highlight these challenges.

Bill is too complex

This research coincides with ongoing discussions in the Scottish Parliament over the Housing (Scotland) Bill.

The proposed law is aimed at transforming the rental housing market.

However, the Bill’s complexity appears to mirror the difficulties faced by landlords, as tenants also report low awareness.

Previous findings from the trust indicate that only 19% of private renters in Scotland are both aware of and comprehend the Housing (Scotland) Bill.