Over a fifth of private landlords across Scotland struggle to keep up with changes to the law affecting the private rented sector according to new research published today.

Just over half (51%) say they can keep up with legal changes, and 21% say they find it difficult to do so.

The survey of 1,100 landlords was carried out by the SafeDeposits Scotland Charitable Trust, which works to advance education about housing rights and obligations in the private rented sector.

Landlords expressed concern that changes to the law related to the private rented sector are not being clearly explained. Two in five (39%) said this was the case, compared to 28% saying legal changes are clearly communicated to landlords.

The research comes as the Scottish Parliament continues to consider the Housing (Scotland) Bill which will reform the rental housing market.

Concerns about understanding changes to the law reflect the experiences of tenants as well. Previous research by the trust has found that that just 19% of private renters in Scotland heard of, and understood, the Housing (Scotland) Bill. 

Dr Jennifer Harris, head of policy at SafeDeposits Scotland, says: “Ensuring landlords and tenants fully understand their legal rights and obligations should be at the heart of a healthy rental market. It is therefore concerning that so many are struggling to keep up to speed.

“Work is clearly needed to improve the way changes to the sector are communicated to ensure all landlords know what is expected of them, and tenants understand, and can enforce, their rights.”