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ARTICLE · 22 DECEMBER 2025

Changes Afoot! New Rules To Come Into Force Regarding Changes A Tenant Can Make To Rented Property

Shepherd and Wedderburn
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The law in Scotland in the private rental sector has been radically reformed in recent years, including the creation of a new form of private tenancy...

United KingdomReal Estate and Construction
Gina Johnston
Gina Johnston
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The law in Scotland in the private rental sector has been radically reformed in recent years, including the creation of a new form of private tenancy: the Private Residential Tenancy. The Housing (Scotland) Act 2025, which recently received Royal Assent, will make a number of further significant changes, including controversial rules on rent control, new rules regarding pet ownership (see our other article on this issue for more on this) and allowing tenants to make certain changes to let property. The provisions are not yet in force, and will require consultation and then secondary legislation before they come into full effect.

The current position

Under the law at present in Scotland there is generally contractual freedom for parties regarding what changes can be made to let property. The tenancy agreement will generally determine parties' rights and obligations, including what rights (if any) a tenant has to make changes to the property they rent.

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