"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"
- Dr Jennifer Harris - SafeDeposits Scotland
Over one in five private landlords across Scotland struggle to keep up with changes to the law affecting the private rented sector, according to newly released research.
Whilst 51% say they can keep up with legal changes, 21% say they find it difficult to do so.
The representative 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. 39% said this was the case, compared to less than a third (28%) saying legal changes are clearly communicated to landlords.
Concerns about understanding changes to the law reflect the experiences of tenants as well. Previous research by the Charitable Trust has found that that just 19% of private renters in Scotland heard of and understood the Housing (Scotland) Bill.
“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," commented the head of policy at SafeDeposits Scotland, Dr Jennifer Harris, adding, “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.”
