Then and Now

A short history of change in the Scottish Private Rented Sector

This briefing looks at the history of reform in the private rented sector in Scotland, and the changing relationship between landlord and tenant, from the earliest forms of intervention to the present system of private rented housing.

This briefing has been produced as part of the RentBetter three year research programme funded by the Nationwide Foundation. The purpose of the research is to understand the impacts of changes that have been made in the private rented sector in Scotland, and to share lessons learned for the benefit of private tenants and landlords across the UK. The Foundation commissioned Indigo House to undertake this work between August 2019 and August 2022.