Private landlords are required to apply for registration with their local authority under Part 8 of the Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act 2004. Operating as an unregistered landlord is a criminal offence which may be subject to a penalty on conviction of up to £50,000 and a ban on letting properties of up to 5 years.
The Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022
The Scottish Government has introduced The Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022 Emergency Legislation which temporarily:
- Restricts landlords from increasing the amount of rent they can charge private and social tenants, as well as for student accommodation
- Places certain restrictions on enforcement of evictions from residential tenancies
- Balances these restrictions with safeguards for those landlords who may be facing particular cost pressures or financial hardship
Further information is available from Shelter Scotland.