Glasgow may soon see the return of rent caps as the Scottish Government moves forward with new housing laws aimed at tackling the city’s rental market pressures. Proposed measures would give councils the power to limit increases on private rented properties, with discussions focused on capping rents at a maximum of 6% in designated Rent Control Areas.
The proposed Housing (Scotland) Bill, which has been progressing through Parliament since 2024, would allow local councils to assess whether rent controls are required in their area to “protect the social and economic interests of tenants,” according to Scottish Government sources. If passed, the Bill would require local landlords to regularly share details of rent levels and increases for assessment, with penalties for non-compliance. The process would include mandatory consultation with both landlords and tenants before any area is designated for rent controls.
Under the rent control amendment announced last year, future rent increases in controlled areas would be capped at the Consumer Price Index (CPI) plus 1%, with an absolute ceiling of 6%, applying both during and between tenancies. This change, intended to create stability, has generated mixed reactions within the property industry. Some landlords have warned that such limits could distort the market and dampen investment in new rental housing, potentially harming tenants in the long term.
SNP councillor Ruairi Kelly, said: “If ministers agree that rent controls are justified and proportionate an eight week public consultation would then follow before regulations are laid to formally designate the area. This means rent controls could be introduced in Glasgow from late 2027 at the earliest subject to thorough assessment, consultation and ministerial approval.”
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Temporary rent controls previously introduced during the cost-of-living crisis ended in March 2025, giving landlords more flexibility – though tenants retained some rights to appeal increases. The Housing Minister has underlined the government’s commitment to consulting with all stakeholders, stating: “No home and no tenant can be left behind if we are to build the sort of society and the sort of Glasgow where everyone can have stability, peace of mind, and a place to call their own.”
With the Housing Bill’s second stage expected to pass by early 2025, and secondary legislation likely later in the year, the earliest rent caps could take effect in Glasgow would be 2027. Both landlords and tenants are being urged to stay informed, as the direction of travel for Scotland’s rental market continues to evolve.
