Rental discrimination: guidance for Scotland
How the Renters' Rights Act 2025 impacts private rented housing tenants who have children or receive benefits.
Information for landlords
Rental discrimination is a criminal offence. If convicted, you could be fined up to £1,000.
It is for the courts to determine what behaviour counts as rental discrimination.
Registration requirements
Breaking rental discrimination law could affect your:
- existing registration as a landlord or letting agent
- application to renew your existing registration
- new registration applications
This is because local authorities and Scottish Ministers must consider breaches of housing law when deciding if someone is fit and proper to be a landlord or letting agent.
Tenants can also take civil legal action against you.
Who decides if rental discrimination has happened
If you are prosecuted, it will be for the court to determine what behaviour counts as rental discrimination.
The examples below show situations that might happen when renting privately. They explain what might be considered when deciding if discrimination has occurred. These are examples only.
Contact
Email: contactus@gov.scot