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However, as of 10 April 2026, these changes have been withdrawn.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.