Can a Landlord Raise Rent for Just One Room in Scotland?

Many renters in Scotland share accommodation in flats, HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation), or as lodgers. If your landlord proposes a rent increase on only one room—perhaps yours—you may wonder whether this is allowed and what legal protections apply. This guide explains the rules, what you can do if you think the increase is unfair, relevant official forms, and where to seek support.

How Rent Increases Work for Individual Rooms in Scotland

The rules about rent increases for single rooms depend on your type of tenancy agreement:

• Joint Tenancy: Everyone is on one agreement; changes usually affect the whole property, not just one room.
• Individual Tenancy Agreements: Each renter has a separate agreement; landlords can propose different rents for each room.
• Lodgers: If you live with your landlord (as a lodger), your rights may differ significantly from those in self-contained flats or HMOs.

In most cases, if you have a private residential tenancy (PRT), your landlord must follow strict legal steps to increase rent, whether for a whole property or just one room.

Legal Process for Rent Increases

Under the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016, rent can typically only be increased once every 12 months. The landlord must give at least 3 months’ notice using the official form.

• Landlord must use the correct rent-increase notice form (Form RR1).
• Rent increases cannot be backdated.
• Tenants can challenge the increase if they believe it is unfair or significantly above the local market rate.

When Can a Landlord Raise Rent for One Room Only?

If each occupant has their own tenancy (common in large HMOs), a landlord can legally propose a rent increase for just one room. However, proper notice and procedures must still be followed. If all tenants are on a joint agreement, a rent increase usually applies to the whole property—and costs are split accordingly.

Lodgers who live with their landlord are not always covered by the same protections. For lodgers, rent changes depend on the terms of your agreement, but reasonable notice is still required.

What Notice and Which Form Must Be Used?

For Private Residential Tenancies, the landlord must serve a 'Notice to increase rent' using Form RR1:

• Form name: Notice to increase rent (Form RR1)
• When to use: The landlord must use Form RR1 to notify you of a rent increase at least 3 months in advance. For example, if your landlord wants to raise the rent for your room from £350 to £400, they must issue you Form RR1 with full details, not just an informal email or text.
• Official source: Scottish Government PRT Notices and Documents

Challenging a Rent Increase

If you feel the new rent is unfair or above similar properties in your area, you have the right to challenge it. You must apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) within 21 days of receiving the notice.

The Tribunal will decide if the proposed rent is fair for the property and location. If successful, the Tribunal may set a fair amount or refuse the increase.

Key Legislation and Tribunals

• Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016
• First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) — handles rent disputes and landlord/tenant cases

Practical Steps if Your Landlord Wants to Raise Rent for Your Room

• Check your tenancy type (joint or individual, lodger or not).
• Confirm you received written notice, not just a verbal or informal request.
• Make sure the landlord used Form RR1 and gave at least 3 months’ notice.
• If you believe the increase is unfair, submit a challenge to the First-tier Tribunal within 21 days.

Act quickly, as missing the deadline can mean the new rent automatically takes effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a landlord increase rent for just my room if I live in a shared flat in Scotland?
   Yes, if you have an individual tenancy agreement for your room, or are a lodger, your landlord can propose a rent increase for only your room. They must follow the legal process, serve notice using Form RR1, and give you 3 months’ notice.
2. What can I do if I think my rent increase is too high?
   You can challenge the increase by applying to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) within 21 days of receiving the notice. Gather evidence of similar rents in your area.
3. What is the official notice my landlord must use for a rent increase?
   Your landlord must serve a 'Notice to increase rent' using Form RR1. You can view and download this form from the Scottish Government's official site.
4. Does my landlord have to increase rent for everyone in the flat at once?
   No, only if you are on a joint tenancy agreement. If you have individual tenancy agreements, your landlord can propose different rents or increases for each room.
5. Where can I get help if I disagree with a rent increase?
   You can contact Shelter Scotland, your local council, or seek a decision from the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber).

Conclusion: What Renters in Shared Housing Should Know

• Landlords can raise rent for a single room if you are on an individual tenancy, as long as the official process is followed.
• They must use Form RR1, give at least 3 months’ notice, and you have a right to challenge the increase via the Tribunal.
• Check your tenancy type and act fast if you think your new rent is unfair.

Being informed helps you respond confidently to any proposed increases for your room.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• mygov.scot – Private Residential Tenancy info
• Shelter Scotland – Free advice and support
• First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) — making rent challenge applications
• Scottish Government – Official PRT Forms

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1. Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016
2. Scottish Government – PRT Rent Increase Form RR1
3. First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)

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