Challenging rent rises rules explained

I privately rent my flat and my landlord has told me my rent will be going up next month. I thought there was still a rent cap in Scotland. Has that changed, and can I take any action if I believe the increase is unfair?

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The temporary rent cap ended on April 1. The rules for challenging rent increases have gone back to how they worked before.

If you rent privately and think your proposed rent increase is unfair, you can ask Rent Service Scotland to review it. They'll look at the rent for similar properties in your area and decide what's reasonable. The new rent they set could be lower, higher or the same as your landlord's proposal.

To be valid, a rent increase notice must be provided using the form required by law. Your landlord must give you at least three months' notice before the higher rent takes effect.

If they don't use the correct form or don't give enough notice, you don't have to pay the increased amount.

You must apply to Rent Service Scotland within 21 days of receiving the notice. You can do this online at