The Private Housing Rent Control (Exempt Property) (Scotland) Regulations 2026 - equality impact assessment

Recommendations and Conclusion

We recognise that the data available does not allow for a complete picture of the needs of those with protected characteristics. However, our assessment of the impact of the rent control exemptions for MMR and BtR is that they will not negatively or positively impact on people with protected characteristics, with the potential exception of the 25-34 age group, though there is not enough data to say with certainty that there will be a negative impact or to what extent this may be harmful overall.

We have therefore not made any changes to our policy as a result of this impact analysis, but will continue to gather and monitor evidence as the policy is implemented.

We are committed to appropriately monitoring and evaluating the effects of these exemptions on the operation of rent controls in Scotland. As with the monitoring of the rent control system overall, as introduced in the Housing (Scotland) Act, we anticipate working with stakeholders to develop a coordinated programme of monitoring and evaluation across multiple years of policy implementation to fully understand the implementation and impacts of rent control and its exemptions on the private rented housing system and key stakeholders.

We have also identified a need for clear communications regarding how the rent control system will function and how tenants will understand if their home is exempt and what rights they have in the event of receiving a rent increase notice they believe to be excessively high. There are some protected groups for whom having clear, available guidance may be more of a challenge, and we will have an awareness of this as we plan communications strategies.