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General, Hints & Tips, Landlords, Legislation, News
What landlords need to know – Key changes coming in 2026/ 2027
What landlords need to know – Key changes coming in 2026/ 2027 We’ve got you covered! Legislation is changing but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Cairn, we: Monitor all legal updates Advise you on best practice Handle compliance on your behalf So, you can focus on your investment with confidence. Please find below a summary of key updates coming into effect during 2026–2027: Awaab’s Law (Damp and Mould Regulations) New regulations approved by the Scottish Parliament will come into force on 6 October 2026. These changes introduce strict timescales for landlords to respond to damp and mould issues that pose a risk to tenants: Investigate reports within 10 working days Provide a written summary within 3 working days of completing the investigation Begin any required repair work within 5 working days If these timescales cannot be met, landlords must provide written reasons and an expected timeframe for resolution. Where damp or mould is not caused by a building defect, landlords are expected to work with tenants and provide appropriate guidance and support. If the Repairing Standard is not met, tenants may apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber). The Tribunal can issue a Repairing Standard Enforcement Order (RSEO), and failure to comply may result in a Rent Relief Order, reducing rent by up to 90%. At Cairn, we will ensure all reported cases are escalated promptly and managed in line with these new requirements. Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) The Scottish Government had proposed changes to EPCs, including a revised format and reducing validity from 10 years to 5 years, initially due from 31 October 2026. However, as of 10 April 2026, these changes have been withdrawn. The current EPC system will remain in place. We will continue to monitor this and provide updates if the position changes. Pets and Personalisation Upcoming changes will give tenants more rights to: Request permission to keep pets Personalise or decorate the property Landlords will only be able to refuse such requests where there is a valid and reasonable justification. Further guidance is expected on acceptable grounds for refusal. Rent Control Measures From 1 April 2026, local authorities must assess rental conditions in their area at least every five years, with the first reports due by 31 May 2027. These assessments will inform whether rent control areas are introduced. Scottish Ministers may designate such areas where this is considered necessary to protect tenants. Key points if a rent control area is introduced: Rent increases capped at CPI + 1% (maximum 6%) Applies during and between tenancies Rent can only be increased once every 12 months Applies to private residential tenancies Tenants can challenge unlawful increases via a rent officer or the First-tier Tribunal. The Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 also allows for financial penalties or compensation where landlords breach rent caps. Exemptions apply where the property is: New to the rental market Newly purchased with vacant possession Not rented in the previous 12 months Landlords will now be required to declare current rent levels when renewing registration, supporting data collection for these measures. Renters’ Rights Act 2025 – Anti-Discrimination Rules From 1 May 2026, new rules prohibit discrimination in the private rented sector against individuals who: Have children Receive benefits These protections apply to both prospective and existing tenants. Landlords and agents must not: Refuse enquiries or viewings Apply restrictive criteria Treat applicants unfairly based on these factors Any mortgage or insurance terms that conflict with these rules will no longer be enforceable once updated or renewed. If you have any questions about how these changes may affect your property, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We are here to support you through every stage of compliance and property management. Further Reading for Landlords Scotland’s upcoming energy efficiency roadmap includes several important milestones. To help landlords stay ahead of each stage, Cairn has created in-depth guides explaining what to expect: New Energy Efficiency Regulations Coming 2026 – Learn how the new Heat Retention Rating (HRR) system will replace EPCs and what it means for landlords. 1 April 2028 – New Tenancies Must Meet HRR Band C – Understand the first compliance deadline and what steps landlords should take now. 2033 Deadline – All Scottish Rentals Must Reach HRR Band C – Explore the final milestone and how to plan long-term upgrades efficiently. These articles provide practical insights to help you plan improvements, spread costs, and maintain compliance across every key date. Adapting to Scotland’s 2026 landlord legislation updates ensures your properties remain compliant and appealing to tenants. For personalised guidance and support, contact Cairn Estate & Letting Agency today. Stay ahead of Scotland’s landlord legislation updates. Contact Cairn Estate & Letting Agency for expert advice and compliance support.
General, Careers, Glasgow, HMO licensing, HMO Properties, Legislation, Letting, Meet The Team, News, Properties, Property Careers, Property Management, Recruitment, Staff
Meet the team – Amrit Chall – Property Manager
Amrit Chall – Property Manage Describe your role in one sentence at Cairn? I ensure properties are ready, compliant, and accurately documented by managing inspections, viewings, and inventory tasks. What’s the best thing about working at Cairn? The great team, we work together and everyone wants to do their best for clients and tenants. What is your proudest business achievement/moment? My proudest moment is receiving positive feedback from tenants and landlords. What is the best piece of business advice you have been given? Focus on progress not perfection and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Give us an interesting fact about yourself? I love going on long walks to clear my mind. What advice would you give your 18-year-old self? Don’t stress too much, work hard and stay positive. Who are your heroes inside or outside of business? My colleagues who are very supportive and my family. What qualities do you most admire in others? People who follow through on their commitments and support the team, How do you unwind out of work? I like getting outdoors, going to the gym and spending time with family & friends. Favourite book and film? Harry Potter. Where is your favourite place in Scotland? The Isle of skye.
General, HMO licensing, HMO Properties, Landlords, Property Management
T’is the HMO Season
T’is the *HMO* season… Whilst it may be the Festive Season, our HMO elves are already looking ahead to next year and have been hard at work identifying areas of potential growth/new marketing strategies etc. The Scottish HMO letting market is holding steady, with rent values expected to remain at similar levels in the near future. While demand for HMO properties is consistent, some larger properties may benefit from a restructuring opportunity to explore room-by-room lets as a viable alternative to secure occupancy. To ensure occupancy and minimising void periods, we are implementing several strategies to ensure success for landlords and tenants alike. These include: • Early Pre-Move-Out Inspections: Ensuring properties meet high standards well before marketing. • Early Advertising Campaigns: Starting marketing efforts sooner to capture tenant interest ahead of time. • Focus on Property Quality: Maintaining high standards of maintenance and presentation to meet tenant expectations. Landlords who prioritise quality and proactive planning will be best positioned to thrive in the current market. Please do not hesitate to contact your dedicated Property Manager if you would like to discuss in greater detail. We hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
General, Estate Agency, Landlords, Letting, News, Social Responsibility
Cairn – Our Social Responsibility
Cairn – Social Responsibility Cairn care for the future of our planet, people, and wildlife. We want to do “our bit” ethically and sustainably to make sure we are being as good to the planet as we can be. We cannot rely on governments to reduce our carbon footprint. We must all take responsibility. […]
General, Glasgow
Estate Agency Glasgow
Estate Agency Glasgow When it comes to the purchasing and selling of properties, Glasgow is a city full of opportunity. Since Glasgow is composed of a variety of different areas that all have their unique features, there is always something to suit the needs of everyone. If you’re a new family looking to rent your […]
General
The impact of Brexit on the Scottish Property Market
The impact of Brexit on the Scottish Property Market As things stand, the Brexit deadline has been extended until October 31st, with no clear progress as of yet on what terms the UK will ultimately leave the EU. As might be expected, this Brexit deadlock has made uncertainty the watchword of the day and, much […]
General, Student Accommodation
Making the most of Freshers’ Week
Making the most of Freshers’ Week Freshers’ Week – your first week of university – has a whole lot of hype around it. The cultural significance of this rite of passage can be overwhelming. The pressure to have the time of your life is huge. Here’s how to make the most of this week so you get off on the right foot but don’t burn out! Plan ahead Turn to your university’s social media pages and check out what events your university and their student union is planning. You’re also likely to get a guide in the post or when you enrol at uni. Make a note of some events you fancy and where you’re likely to meet like-minded people. Step out of your comfort zone You’ve moved into your student halls and perhaps all your new flatmates want to head to the rave gig at the union that you’d given a firm ‘No’ to earlier. Go anyway! University is the best time for stepping out of your comfort zone. As long as you feel safe, you won’t regret trying something new. It’s a great bonding and learning experience. Drink wisely The stereotype of Freshers’ Week is of an alcohol-fueled fest where uni newbies are more drunk than sober. Of course, drinking is a healthy part of the experience and can help you gain a bit of confidence with your new pals. But make sure you drink sensibly — have water in-between, never leave your drink unattended and if you want to stop – stop! Go to meetings about your course While Freshers’ Week is all about going out, meeting new people and experiencing new things, it’s likely you will also have some actual university stuff to go to. Course inductions, tutor one-to-ones and department networking events will prepare you for the years ahead. Your bed will always be there, you’ve not got that degree yet! Get home safely Living away from home from home for the first time might be the only time you’ve ever needed to fend for yourself. When a night out finishes, be sure to take a registered taxi home to your halls with people you trust or take a well-lit path in a big group. Never walk home alone. Don’t forget food and sleep The temptation to ‘go hard or go home’ with your Freshers’ Week is huge. Peer pressure from your new or old pals or the media representation of this mad time can give you serious FOMO. Remember, it’s okay to slow down your pace. Make sure you’re eating regularly and getting enough sleep. You don’t want to burn out before you’ve even begun, and you’ll stave off that infamous Freshers’ flu. Freshers’ Week is a total rollercoaster and definitely a time you won’t forget. If it’s not everything you expected – don’t worry. You’ve got a whole three or four years left to go. Do what feels right for you and enjoy yourself. Welcome to university!
General, Guides
Getting To The West End
Getting To The West End For decades, the West End of Glasgow has been a much sought-after place to set up home. The sprawling area from Charing Cross to Partick to Hillhead and beyond comprises some of the most attractive postcodes in the city, if not the country. The beautiful green spaces of Kelvingrove and […]
General
Making New Habits Stick
Making New Habits Stick A new year has rolled around and it’s tempting to write a list of goals as long as your arm in a bid to signal “New Year, New Me”. But what good are New Year’s resolutions if they are far by the wayside as soon as February arrives? Making lifestyle changes […]
