With Scotland’s rent control measures ending in March this year (2025) and household bills still high, landlords are entering a period of financial pressure, potential tenant vulnerability, and significant policy change - all of which heighten the risk of tension with tenants. This makes the need for carefully advised proactive steps to minimise disputes more important than ever.
Adapting to what feels like an endlessly evolving political and economic environment is not easy. Staying on top of the legislative and legal requirements on landlords is a job in itself, but not doing so can bring with it time-consuming and costly issues.
The potential for disputes between landlords and tenants appears to be rising, with our team reporting a substantial increase in enquiries about tenant disputes in the past year.
Where do you begin with reducing that risk?
While legal rights are often seen as the foundation for resolving tenant issues, it is also important to take a holistic approach. After all, disputes are not only costly financially, but also in reputation and tenant satisfaction. One of the most effective ways to avoid conflict is open, honest communication, particularly around sensitive topics such as rent increases.
Landlords can benefit from being transparent with their tenants. Any rent increases should be communicated with clarity, detail, and context. For example, explaining the market conditions, maintenance needs or rising utility costs behind the decision to raise rent can help tenants understand the reasoning. A well-documented and thoughtful explanation often prevents emotional reactions from escalating into formal disputes.
They might not agree with the change you intend, but they may better appreciate the reasons behind it.
When issuing rent review letters, landlords must ensure that any increase complies with the Scottish private residential tenancy (PRT) - meaning rent can only be raised once per year and requires three months’ notice.
Rent reviews should ideally also be backed by evidence. Demonstrating that a proposed increase aligns with local market rates strengthens your legal standing. If needed, consult with a letting agent and ensure that records of valuations, repairs, and improvements are kept up to date.
Our experience is that a rent increase which is fair, justified, and clearly communicated is far less likely to be challenged and, if it is challenged, more likely to withstand scrutiny.
Maintaining high property standards also plays a crucial role in reducing the likelihood of disputes. When tenants see consistent investment in their living conditions, they are more likely to accept rent increases as part of ongoing property upkeep.
Conversely, neglecting repairs or communal areas can foster frustration and resentment, making rent discussions far more adversarial than necessary. Investing in your property is, ultimately, an investment also in tenant satisfaction and risk reduction.
If you do decide to end a tenancy, it is advisable not to issue a ‘DIY notice to leave’.
Many applications to the Housing and Property Chamber of the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland - which handles disputes between tenants and landlords - are rejected because landlords serve incorrect notices. Common mistakes include providing the wrong notice period, omitting dates, using the wrong forms and failing to include key information such as addresses.
It is not only rent-related matters that can lead to disputes. A lack of awareness of new legislation granting greater rights to tenants can also increase legal risk. For example, alongside the lifting of the rent cap, MSPs are now scrutinising the Housing (Scotland) Bill, which proposes long-term rent controls, new eviction rules and rights for tenants to keep pets and decorate homes.
While many landlord-tenant disputes stem from legal issues, they often arise from poor handling of everyday interactions. Delays in responding to emails, vague repair timelines or ignoring minor complaints can see tensions grow.
To avoid this, landlords are best advised to set clear expectations for communication and service. Being accessible and responsive demonstrates that you value your tenants’ experience and well-being.
If in doubt of anything, tailored professional advice about the steps you should be taking can be game-changing.
In an increasingly complex rental landscape, legal compliance is critical. By staying informed about legislative changes, maintaining high standards and communicating openly, landlords can build trust, avoid misunderstandings, and foster long-term, positive tenancies. In doing so, they will help to protect themselves legally and financially.
This article original featured in Landlord Focus magazine in the Summer 2025 issue.
Published 8 September 2025.
