Social rent freeze to be lifted from 26 February

Following further consultation with Scottish Government, legislation to end the social rent cap was today laid in Parliament to expire the rent cap provisions for the social sector on 26 February. Crucially, this allows those with rent cycles that start earlier than 1 April to give the full required notice period.

The current 0% cap on private rented sector rents - which also includes Mid Market Rent properties owned by RSLs and their subsidiaries - will be lifted from April 1 to allow a 3% increase within tenancies. A ban on evictions for both the social and private rented sector will remain in place.This will be in place for a further six-month period, until 30 September 2023, ‘provided it remains necessary and proportionate’.

The Scottish Government also confirmed their intention to bring forward a Housing Bill this year.