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14/7/25 8:13 pm
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Private tenants in Scotland are struggling to resolve problems with rent increases, poor housing conditions, threats of eviction and recovering deposits.
Consumer Scotland believes that tenants are often unaware of existing mechanisms to help them resolve issues, don’t know how to access them or feel unable to navigate the process without support.
The group’s report A Fairer Rental Market: Exercising tenancy rights in Scotland’s private rented sector says better information is needed along with improved access to support and more user-friendly processes to help tenants resolve issues when problems arise.
Its research found that tenants are unsure about their rights and responsibilities which can discourage them - particularly those renting first-time - from raising issues if things go wrong. They also often seek advice when issues become critical due to personal factors, such as health concerns or prolonged landlord inaction
Pursuing formal routes often requires ongoing help, with fears of landlord retaliation and limited access to support to navigate legal processes acting as major barriers, according to Consumer Scotland, which reports that the current available help can feel unwelcoming, with complex processes and delays often outweighing the perceived benefits of using them.
It wants the Scottish Government to offer clearer guidance for tenants and landlords on their rights and obligations following the passage of the Housing (Scotland) Bill, as well as improved access to free advice services, ongoing support for tenants engaging with the formal redress processes and safeguards against retaliation.
Policy manager Eva Ablett says: “We welcome the actions that the Scottish Government is taking to improve the renting experience, but we want to see a more coordinated approach to information, advice and redress systems to ensure tenants are better protected and empowered in the future.”
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