Scottish renters should get last two months’ rent-free if evicted – Generation Rent

Generation Rent is calling on all political parties in Scotland to back its manifesto pledge that Scottish renters should receive the last two months’ rent free as compensation in cases of no-fault evictions.

Ahead of the Scottish elections in May, the tenant group has launched its Standing Up for Renters in Scotland manifesto, urging parties to back Scotland’s rent cap and update the Scottish Landlord Register.

The news comes as one landlord organisation warns blunt legislation is not the answer to solve Scotland’s housing crisis.

Political parties need to be more ambitious

Generation Rent writes in its Scottish manifesto: “Scotland is facing a housing emergency. Over 100,000 households are on waiting lists for a social home, while over 17,000 households are trapped living in temporary accommodation, the highest number on record.

“The shortage of genuinely affordable homes means the number of households renting privately almost tripled between 1999 and 2022, to 320,000. This demand for private rents has seen the cost of renting in Scotland soar, with average rents rising by over 60% since 2010.

“On Thursday 7th May 2026, voters will have the chance to elect the next Scottish Parliament. Scotland has led the UK in bringing in greater rights and protections in recent years. But the picture above shows political parties need to be more ambitious to tackle the housing emergency, making sure every private renter has a safe, secure and affordable home.”

Two months rent-free

According to Generation Rent, an unwanted move costs the average private renter household in Scotland £2,041.

The tenant group is urging the next Scottish government to strengthen protections against ‘landlord need’ evictions, where a landlord seeks to sell the property or move in themselves or a family member.

They propose a protected period during which ‘landlord need’ evictions would not be allowed for at least the first 12 months after a tenant moves in, followed by a minimum of four months’ notice for any eviction.

Alongside this, Generation Rent also wants relocation relief, giving renters two months’ rent free if the landlord chooses to sell the property.

They claim: “The significant windfall that a landlord would receive for the sale would outweigh the cost of two months unpaid rent.”

Support rent controls

Other pledges include all political parties supporting Scotland’s rent cap. Under the Scotland Housing Act, in designated rent control areas, annual rent increases will be limited to CPI + 1%, up to a maximum of 6%.

Councils must first assess rent conditions in their areas and submit proposals for designated rent control zones to the Scottish government by 31 May 2027.

Despite Generation Rent supporting rent caps, evidence has shown that rent controls haven’t worked, with Scottish landlords increasing rents at a faster pace than anywhere else in Great Britain because of rent controls.

The tenant group is also urging Scottish political parties to update the Scottish Landlord Register to include information on landlords meeting key standards, such as energy efficiency ratings, gas and electrical safety certifications, records of fines, tribunal cases, deposit disputes, and rent data.