Aberdeen’s private rented sector is at an interesting crossroads in 2026. Rental demand across the city remains strong, yields in key postcodes are climbing, and legislative requirements continue to evolve under Scottish law. Whether you own a single granite tenement flat in Rosemount or a portfolio of student lets near the University of Aberdeen, the decisions you make this year around compliance, energy efficiency and property management will shape your returns for years to come.
This guide brings together everything Aberdeen landlords need to know right now from Private Residential Tenancy obligations and EPC requirements to where rental demand is strongest across the city.
Understanding Private Residential Tenancies in Scotland
If you let residential property in Scotland, your tenancy agreement is governed by the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016. This legislation introduced the Private Residential Tenancy (PRT), replacing the older assured and short assured tenancy frameworks.
There are some important differences landlords must understand.
PRTs have no fixed end date. Tenants can end a tenancy by giving 28 days’ notice, but landlords can only end a tenancy using one of 18 legally specified grounds. This makes it essential to have robust tenant referencing in place from the outset, rather than relying on the ability to simply not renew a lease.
Rent increases under a PRT must follow a formal process. Landlords must provide at least three months’ written notice using the correct statutory form, and tenants have the right to refer any increase to a rent officer for adjudication. Keeping accurate records and following the correct process every time is not optional — it is a legal requirement.
Landlord registration — a non-negotiable step
Every landlord letting property in Scotland must be registered with their local council under the Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act 2004. Aberdeen City Council administers this locally, and operating without valid registration is a criminal offence that can result in a fine of up to £50,000.
Registration must be renewed every three years. If you hold multiple properties across different local authority areas, you will need to register with each relevant council separately.
EPC requirements — what Aberdeen landlords must plan for
Energy Performance Certificates are one of the most pressing compliance issues facing Aberdeen landlords right now, particularly given the city’s substantial stock of older granite tenement buildings.
Under current Scottish Government proposals, all privately rented properties in Scotland are expected to reach a minimum EPC rating of Band C before new tenancies can be granted. The Scottish Government has been consulting on implementation timelines, and while exact deadlines remain subject to confirmation, the direction of travel is clear. Landlords who delay planning for upgrades risk being unable to let their properties legally.
Why older Aberdeen stock present a particular challenge
Aberdeen’s architectural character is dominated by solid granite construction, particularly in areas such as Rosemount (AB25), the West End and parts of the city centre. Solid granite walls are notoriously difficult and expensive to insulate compared to cavity wall construction, meaning landlords in these areas may face higher upgrade costs than those in more modern housing stock.
Common improvement measures for Aberdeen properties include loft insulation, double glazing upgrades, modern boiler replacement and, where structurally feasible, external or internal wall insulation. Landlords should commission an updated EPC assessment now to understand exactly where their property stands and what work is required.
It is worth noting that Scottish Government funding schemes, including the Warmer Homes Scotland programme, may be available to help offset some upgrade costs, particularly for landlords with tenants on qualifying benefits.
Where rental yields are strongest in Aberdeen
Aberdeen’s rental market has recovered meaningfully from the oil price-driven slowdown of the mid-2010s, and certain postcodes are now delivering yields that compare favourably with any major Scottish city.
Torry and AB11 — investor-led demand
Torry (AB11), located south of the River Dee, continues to attract investors drawn by relatively accessible purchase prices and strong rental demand from working professionals and key workers. Yields in this area have been recorded at competitive levels, making it one of the more accessible entry points for new landlords building a portfolio in the city.
AB24 and the university quarter
The area surrounding the University of Aberdeen, particularly in AB24 covering Old Aberdeen and Tillydrone, remains one of the city’s most active rental markets. With a large and consistent student population supplemented by academic and research staff, demand for well-maintained HMO and standard lets is reliable throughout the academic year. Gross yields in this postcode have been reported at up to 8.6% in recent market analysis, making it one of the highest-yielding areas in Scotland.
Rosemount (AB25) — quality stock in high demand
Rosemount is consistently popular with young professionals and couples who want easy access to the city centre without living in it. The area’s handsome granite tenements, proximity to Westburn Park and strong local amenities support above-average rents for well-presented properties. Landlords here should be particularly attentive to EPC planning given the age of the housing stock, but those who invest in their properties are rewarded with lower void periods and tenants who tend to stay longer.
Managing compliance across a portfolio
For landlords with multiple properties — whether a handful of flats or a larger portfolio — keeping on top of compliance across different property types, postcodes and tenancy start dates adds real complexity.
Beyond PRTs and EPCs, Aberdeen landlords must also ensure they are meeting obligations around repair standard inspections, Legionella risk assessments, electrical installation condition reports (EICRs) — required every five years — and smoke and carbon monoxide detector requirements under the Tolerable Standard legislation updated in Scotland in 2022.
Deposit protection is equally non-negotiable. All tenant deposits must be lodged with a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme within 30 working days of the tenancy start date. Failure to do so can result in the landlord being ordered to pay the tenant up to three times the deposit amount.
How Martin & Co Aberdeen supports landlords at every stage
At Martin & Co Aberdeen, we work with landlords across the full spectrum — from those letting their first property to experienced investors managing significant portfolios. Our team brings more than 30 years of lettings expertise to every instruction, and we understand the specific demands of Aberdeen’s market, from granite tenement compliance to student HMO management near the university.
We offer a range of service levels designed to suit different landlord needs.
Our Premium Managed service provides complete peace of mind, including rent and legal protection, so you are covered if things do not go to plan. Our Managed service gives you 24/7 maintenance support, regular property inspections and full compliance oversight, handled by your dedicated local team. For landlords who prefer to manage day-to-day but want professional tenant sourcing, our Rent Collection and Tenant Find options offer flexible, transparent support.
Across the Martin & Co network, we manage more than 41,000 properties and let 370 new properties every week. Our state-of-the-art tenant background checks and robust referencing process mean you start every tenancy with confidence.
Practical steps for Aberdeen landlords in 2026
If you are reviewing your property strategy this year, here is where to focus your attention.
Commission an updated EPC assessment for every property in your portfolio. Understand the gap between your current rating and the expected Band C minimum, and get at least two quotes for the improvement works required.
Review your tenancy agreements to ensure they are fully PRT-compliant and that your rent review process follows the correct statutory procedure.
Confirm your landlord registration with Aberdeen City Council is current and note your renewal date.
Check that all EICRs, Legionella assessments and smoke and heat detector installations are up to date across every property.
If you are considering expanding your portfolio, look carefully at AB24 for yield-focused acquisitions and Rosemount or the West End for longer-term capital growth alongside solid rental income.
Ready to make the most of your Aberdeen investment?
Aberdeen’s rental market in 2026 rewards landlords who are well-informed, compliant and working with the right team behind them. Whether you are navigating EPC upgrades in a Rosemount tenement, optimising yields in Torry or managing a multi-property portfolio across the city, Martin & Co Aberdeen is here to help you do it with confidence and without the fuss.
Get in touch with Martin & Co Aberdeen today to speak with one of our local lettings experts — we are ready to answer your questions and help you make the right decisions for your property.
Book a free valuation with Martin & Co Aberdeen and find out exactly what your property could achieve in today’s market. There is no obligation, just clear, honest advice from people who know Aberdeen’s rental sector inside out.
