Rent Increases in Shared Homes: Your Rights in Scotland

If you rent a room or share a flat in Scotland, understanding how rent increases work is essential for protecting your finances and ensuring a fair tenancy. Changes to rent laws in Scotland give renters important rights and protections—especially in shared homes, where rules can sometimes seem complicated.

Understanding Rent Increases in Shared Homes

Most shared homes in Scotland, including HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation), are let under a Private Residential Tenancy (PRT). The laws on increasing rent are the same whether you rent the whole home or just a room, provided you have a PRT. If you are unsure what type of tenancy you have, check your tenancy agreement or see guidance from the Scottish Government.

How and When Can Your Landlord Increase the Rent?

• Your landlord must give you at least 3 months’ written notice before increasing the rent.
• Rent can only be increased once in any 12-month period.
• The notice must be served using the official ‘Rent Increase Notice to Tenant(s)’ (Form 1).
• If you believe the increase is unfair, you have the right to challenge it through the tribunal.

The law that covers rent increases for PRTs is the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016, Chapter 2.^[1]

The Official Rent Increase Notice: Form 1

• Form Name and Number: Rent Increase Notice to Tenant(s) – Form 1
• When It’s Used: The landlord must use this form to formally notify you of a rent increase. For example, if your landlord wants to raise rent on 1 July, they must give you Form 1 by 31 March at the latest.
• How It’s Used: The form should be completed by your landlord and given to each tenant who will be affected by the change.
• Download Form 1 from the Scottish Government (official forms)

Challenging a Rent Increase

If you think the new rent proposed by your landlord is higher than similar homes in your area, or unaffordable, you can challenge it—but you must act quickly.

• You have 21 days from receiving Form 1 to formally challenge the increase.
• Challenges are made to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber).
• The tribunal will compare your proposed new rent with similar properties in your area.
• If the tribunal finds the increase is unreasonable, it may set a lower rent or keep it the same.

How to Challenge the Increase: Action Steps

• Step 1: Respond to your landlord in writing within 21 days, stating you are referring the proposed increase to the tribunal.
• Step 2: Apply to the tribunal using their online forms and guidance on the official tribunal rent increase page.
• Step 3: Supply details and evidence (such as local property adverts showing average rents).

The tribunal process is free and straightforward, and you do not need a solicitor.

Rent Pressure Zones and Temporary Rent Controls

In certain situations, local councils in Scotland can apply for the introduction of rent pressure zones, limiting how much rents can rise. As of 2024, the Scottish Government has also paused or capped rent increases in response to cost-of-living challenges. Always check the latest government guidance on rent increases for current restrictions.

FAQ: Rent Increases in Shared Homes in Scotland

1. How often can my landlord increase my rent in a shared home?
   Your landlord can only increase the rent once every 12 months, and must give you at least 3 months’ written notice using Form 1.
2. Can I challenge any rent increase?
   Yes. After receiving a formal notice, you have 21 days to refer the proposed increase to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber).
3. What happens if I miss the 21-day deadline?
   If you do not challenge within 21 days, the new rent will take effect at the end of the notice period. It's important to act promptly if you believe the increase is unfair.
4. Does challenging a rent increase affect my tenancy?
   No, challenging a rent increase does not affect your right to stay in the property or your tenancy status.
5. What kind of evidence should I provide if I challenge a rent increase?
   Gather examples of rents for similar shared properties or rooms in your area to show what a fair local rent should be.

Conclusion: What Every Renter Should Remember

• Your landlord must use the official process and forms to propose a rent increase—and give you at least 3 months’ notice.
• You have the right to challenge a proposed increase within 21 days to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber).
• Check recent guidance, as temporary controls or rent caps may apply in your area.

Understanding the rules can help you confidently respond to rent changes and safeguard your living situation.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Scotland Government guidance: Rent increases
• First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) – handles rent disputes
• renting.scot – General advice on private renting
• Citizens Advice Scotland: Rent increases

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1. See: Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016, Chapter 2: Rent Increases

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