What is the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 and why does it matter to you?
If you own a rental property in Paisley, whether that is a traditional tenement flat in PA1, a modern apartment near the University of the West of Scotland campus in PA2, or a family let in PA3, the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 is an important piece of legislation to understand.
The Act is introducing some of the biggest changes to Scotland’s private rented sector since the Private Residential Tenancy, or PRT, was introduced under the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016. It is wide-ranging, detailed and relevant to landlords of all sizes, from those managing one tenement flat on Causeyside Street to portfolio investors with several properties across Renfrewshire.
At Martin & Co Paisley, we believe clear information can help landlords prepare. This plain-English guide explains the main parts of the Act and the practical steps landlords should consider as its provisions come into force.
The key changes landlords in Paisley need to know
Rent control areas
The Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 creates a framework that allows Scottish Ministers to designate rent control areas following assessments by local authorities.
Where an area is designated, controls may affect rents set at the start of certain tenancies and later rent increases. The exact rules, limits and exemptions will depend on further regulations and the way each part of the Act is implemented.
AnyAny area in Scotland where there is a housing problem could be designated Renfrewshire, including Paisley, could be designated as a rent control area in the future, Any area in Scotland where there is a housing problem could be designated depending on local rent assessments and decisions made by Scottish Ministers. No such designation should be assumed unless it is formally announced.
Landlords should therefore keep up to date with guidance from the Scottish Government and Renfrewshire Council.
Tenant protections and eviction procedures
The Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 requires a review of existing eviction grounds and introduces provisions requiring tribunals to consider whether the date of an eviction should be delayed in certain circumstances.
Different parts of the Act will come into force at different times under the Scottish Government’s implementation timetable. Landlords should not assume that every provision applies immediately.
For anyPaisley landlords managing properties in areas in Scotlandsuch as Foxbar, Glenburn or Ralston, it will be important to understand any changes before starting possession proceedings.
Landlords must continue to follow the correct legal process and meet all existing maintenance and repair obligations.
Interaction with existing PRT agreements
If you already have tenants in place under a Private Residential Tenancy, some provisions of the Act may affect those tenancies once the relevant sections come into force.
Existing agreements will not simply disappear. However, changes to areas such as rent reviews, notices and tenancy procedures may apply to current tenancies, depending on the final regulations and commencement dates.
Landlords should review their existing tenancy agreements and make sure their documents and processes meet current legal requirements. They should also update them when new provisions formally take effect.
Deposit protection: what remains unchanged
Deposit protection requirements remain in place and are not replaced by the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025.
Landlords in Paisley and across Renfrewshire must place eligible tenancy deposits in an approved tenancy deposit scheme and give the tenant the required information within 30 working days of the tenancy starting.
SafeDeposits Scotland is one approved scheme, but it is not the only approved provider.
Landlords who are unsure whether their deposit protection process is correct should review their records and seek appropriate advice.
Martin & Co Paisley can manage the deposit process for landlords using eligible managed service packages.
Scottish landlord registration: stay compliant with Renfrewshire Council
Landlord registration with Renfrewshire Council remains a legal requirement under the Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act 2004.
Registration must be kept current, and landlords should update changes to their contact details or property portfolio promptly.
Letting a property without valid registration can lead to enforcement action and may affect a landlord’s ability to collect rent legally.
For landlords managing several properties across PA1, PA2 and PA3, keeping track of registration details and renewal dates is an important part of portfolio management.
Making Tax Digital: another change landlords need to prepare for
Alongside the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025, some Paisley landlords also need to prepare for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.
From 6 April 2026, people may need to use Making Tax Digital if their total qualifying gross income from property and self-employment was more than £50,000 in the relevant tax year.
Those who fall within the rules must keep digital records and send quarterly updates to HMRC using compatible software.
The threshold is due to extend to people with qualifying income above £30,000 from April 2027.
The calculation is based on total qualifying gross income from property and self-employment, not rental profit or rental income alone.
Landlords should check their position with HMRC or a qualified tax adviser before making changes to their accounting arrangements.
How Martin & Co Paisley can support landlords
Managing tenancy law, tax changes, deposit protection and landlord registration at the same time can be demanding.
Whether you manage one flat near Paisley town centre or a portfolio across Renfrewshire, clear records and up-to-date processes can help reduce the risk of mistakes.
Martin & Co offers managed services that can include property management, routine inspections, maintenance coordination and support with day-to-day compliance processes.
Available services and protection products may depend on the chosen package, eligibility criteria and applicable terms.
Our local Paisley team understands the Renfrewshire rental market and can support landlords with the practical management of their properties as legislation develops.
What Paisley landlords should do now
Review your current tenancy agreements
Check that all existing PRT agreements are correctly documented and reflect current legal requirements.
Do not amend agreements based on proposed changes alone. Update your documents when the relevant provisions and official guidance come into force.
Check your landlord registration
Confirm that your registration with Renfrewshire Council is current and that every relevant property is listed correctly.
Check whether Making Tax Digital applies
You may need to use Making Tax Digital for Income Tax from 6 April 2026 if your total qualifying gross income from property and self-employment was more than £50,000 in the relevant tax year.
Check your position with HMRC or a qualified tax adviser and prepare suitable digital records where required.
Protect deposits correctly
Check that every eligible tenancy deposit has been placed in an approved scheme and that the required information was provided within the legal deadline.
Follow the Act’s implementation
Keep track of official Scottish Government announcements, commencement dates and any local rent assessments affecting Renfrewshire.
Stay informed as the Act is implemented
The Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 brings important changes for landlords in Paisley and across Renfrewshire.
Not every provision applies at once, so landlords should focus on their current legal duties while following the implementation timetable for future changes.
Keeping accurate records, reviewing tenancy documents and using reliable guidance can help landlords prepare without making changes too early.
At Martin & Co Paisley, we aim to make property management more straightforward. Whether you are a first-time landlord with a flat near the UWS campus or an experienced investor managing several properties across PA1, PA2 and PA3, our local team can support you with the day-to-day management of your portfolio.
Book a free rental valuation to find out what your property could achieve in the current market and learn more about the managed services available from Martin & Co Paisley.
Contact the Martin & Co Paisley team to discuss your property, ask about the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 or find out more about available management options.
