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Rent increase notice (Scotland)

How to raise the rent on a Scottish Private Residential Tenancy using the prescribed rent increase notice, with timings and the rent officer referral route.

Notices & letters · Updated 8 October 2026

Overview

A landlord can only increase the rent on a Scottish Private Residential Tenancy by serving the prescribed rent increase notice under section 22 of the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016. The rent can go up no more than once in any 12 month period.

Why it matters

A rent increase made by letter, text or agreement outside the prescribed process is not enforceable, and any arrears claim based on it is likely to fail at the Tribunal.

Legal requirements

  • Use the prescribed rent increase notice form.
  • Give at least three months notice before the new rent starts.
  • No more than one increase in any 12 month period.
  • The tenant has 21 days from receiving the notice to refer it to a rent officer.

Common mistakes

  • Giving less than three months notice.
  • Increasing the rent twice within 12 months.
  • Not telling the tenant about their right to refer the increase to a rent officer.
  • Ignoring Rent Pressure Zone or new rent control rules that may apply in your area.

Practical guidance

  • Gather local comparables before serving, as a rent officer may set a different figure.
  • Check whether your local authority has introduced rent controls under recent Scottish housing legislation.
  • Keep proof of service and record the new rent and start date against the tenancy.

The template

Replace everything in [SQUARE BRACKETS] with your own details before use.

RENT INCREASE NOTICE
Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016, section 22

To (all tenants): [TENANT FULL NAMES]
Let property: [FULL ADDRESS AND POSTCODE]
From (landlord): [LANDLORD NAME]
Landlord registration number: [NUMBER]
Address for service: [ADDRESS]

1. Current rent: £[AMOUNT] per [MONTH / WEEK]
2. Proposed new rent: £[AMOUNT] per [MONTH / WEEK]
3. Date the new rent takes effect: [DATE, AT LEAST THREE MONTHS AFTER THE TENANT RECEIVES THIS NOTICE]
4. Date of the last rent increase (if any): [DATE]

Your options as tenant
If you do not agree with the proposed rent you can refer this notice to a rent officer. You must do this within 21 days of receiving this notice. A rent officer can increase, decrease or confirm the proposed rent.

Signed: [SIGNATURE]   Name: [NAME]   Date: [DATE]
Capacity: [LANDLORD / AGENT]

IMPORTANT: Check the current official form on mygov.scot before serving, and confirm whether any local rent control applies to the property.

Frequently asked questions

How often can I increase rent in Scotland?

Once in any 12 month period, with at least three months notice using the prescribed form.

Can my tenant challenge the increase?

Yes. The tenant can refer the notice to a rent officer within 21 days of receiving it.

This template is general information for UK landlords and letting agents, not legal advice. Rules differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland — check your local requirements or take advice before relying on it.