Fragmented information leaves Scottish landlords at risk of breaking rules, study shows
Data from SafeDeposits Scotland showed that many rely on a mix of Government websites, council guidance, newsletters, online forums and word of mouth to understand their legal obligations.
Fragmented and inconsistent information is leaving Scottish landlords to struggle to keep up with changing regulations, according to a study commissioned by SafeDeposits Scotland Charitable Trust.
Data showed that many rely on a mix of Government websites, council guidance, newsletters, online forums and word of mouth to understand their legal obligations.
Most landlords wanted to comply with regulations and saw themselves as responsible providers of housing, but faced barriers like unclear guidance, complex rules, rising costs, and difficulties finding tradespeople to carry out required work.
Landlords were more motivated by wanting to provide safe homes for tenants than by fear of enforcement action.
The 2025 Voice of the Landlord Survey found just 41% of landlords felt able to keep up with changes affecting the sector, down from 51% in 2024.
Only 21% believed changes to the law were clearly communicated.
One in four smaller landlords said they could not keep up with legal changes.
Key proposals from the Trust include creating a single online hub for all current regulation and guidance, clearer communication to landlords when rules change, expanding compliance tools like templates and checklists, targeted financial support for energy efficiency, and approved lists for contractors and tradespeople.
Dr Jennifer Harris, head of policy at SafeDeposits Scotland, said: “Providing homes in the private rented sector is a significant responsibility, and landlords should have the support and clarity needed to meet the standards that are rightly expected of them.
“However, this research shows many landlords who are trying to do the right thing are struggling to navigate what has become an increasingly complex and fragmented system.
“Too often, landlords are piecing together information from multiple sources and hoping they have not missed something important.”
Harris added: “If reforms to the private rented sector are going to succeed, landlords need clearer communication, simpler systems and more practical support to comply with the rules.”
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