Housing (Scotland) Bill Likely to Push More Landlords Towards Professional Letting Agents – What It Means for You

A newly published report suggests that upcoming reforms in England under the Renters Rights Bill and the Housing (Scotland) Bill in Scotland could be major turning points for the lettings industry—particularly benefitting landlords who choose to work with experienced, transparent letting agents.

According to the report by software provider SME Professional, Scotland’s experience with similar legislative changes in previous years have shown that rather than shrinking the rental sector, tighter regulations have increased the need for professional property management services.

In 2017, Scotland implemented the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016, which introduced major changes including the end of fixed-term tenancies, the abolition of Section 21-style evictions, mandatory landlord registration, and stricter compliance requirements. Far from deterring landlords, the increased complexity of these rules led many to seek out knowledgeable, trustworthy letting agents.

At The Property Experts, we understand the growing pressures on private landlords. That’s why we offer a fully transparent, professional management service that gives landlords peace of mind. Unlike some agents, we do not inflate contractor invoices by 10%–20%—a hidden charge that can erode your rental income. We believe in complete honesty when it comes to fees, and our clients know exactly what they’re paying for.

As legislation tightens, landlords are increasingly choosing to work with agencies that prioritise compliance, ethics, and transparency. Many are also actively seeking agents who are members of the Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL)—a benchmark of quality and professionalism in Scotland’s rental sector.

John Blackwood, Chief Executive of SAL, reinforces this trend, stating:

“The growing legislative burden on agents in Scotland has not led to a reduction in managed properties. On the contrary, agencies have seen a slight increase in their overall portfolios.”

This echoes what we’ve seen at The Property Experts in Edinburgh and across Scotland—landlords are recognising the value of a hands-on, reliable letting agency that understands the evolving legal landscape and proactively protects their investments.

Fraser Sutherland, Managing Director of SME Professional, adds:

“The Scottish experience demonstrates that robust tenant protections need not harm the rental market or agency businesses… these changes could actually boost demand for professional services and foster a more stable, well-regulated rental market.”

In fact, SME Professional’s research found that over 60% of Scottish landlords reported annual rent increases in 2024, compared to just 8% in previous years—a trend driven by improved market stability and properties being let at true market value. This, in turn, has boosted revenue and portfolio quality for letting agents offering high standards of service.

At The Property Experts, we’re proud to be leading the way in professional lettings across Edinburgh and beyond. Our experienced local team, led by Sean McMahon, provides a fully managed service tailored to today’s rental landscape—helping landlords stay compliant, profitable, and fully supported.

Whether you’re a seasoned landlord or just starting out, get in touch with us to find out how our transparent, proactive property management can help you thrive in a more regulated market.

🔗 Read the full SME Professional report here