Housing (Scotland) Bill

Closes 18 Jul 2025

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Modified rent control area restrictions - landlords who make improvements to their property

In this section, we ask you to consider:

  • that landlords could be able to increase rents by more than the level of the rent cap in circumstances where they have made certain improvements which enhance the rental value of the property or bring additional benefit to the tenant
  • the categories of improvements that could be considered as part of this could include energy efficiency improvements, such as installing an upgraded heating system, installing improved windows or doors, or making other improvements such as significant upgrades to a fitted kitchen or bathroom
  • how these improvements might be distinguished from those that would be expected as part of routine property maintenance
  • different ways a rent increase above the cap might be calculated in cases where a landlord has made improvements to the property
  • different ways that costs for improvements could be split between landlord and tenant
18. Should landlords be able to increase rents by more than the level of the rent cap to recover costs, where they have undertaken certain improvements which may enhance the rental value or bring additional benefit to the tenant?
19. Should landlords who make improvements to a property which improve energy efficiency be allowed to raise the rent above the level of the rent cap?

For example by making specific improvements which improve the EPC rating of the property, or by installing an upgraded heating system.

20. Are there any other types of improvements that should potentially qualify for this kind of increase above the level of the cap?
21. How do you think improvements that might qualify for this increase above the level of the cap should be distinguished from work that would be expected as part of routine property maintenance?
22. Do you think that a rent increase above the cap should be calculated by:
23. If a cost-recovery basis was used, what kind of factors should be taken into consideration when deciding how it should be applied?