CIH Scotland responds to private housing rent control exemption regulations 2026

New draft regulations, The Private Housing Rent Control (Exempt Property) (Scotland) Regulations 2026, have been brought to Scottish Parliament that would exclude mid-market and build-to-rent homes from proposed rent controls. 

Commenting on the regulations, Gillian McLees, CIH Scotland director, said: “We welcome the introduction of regulations, subject to parliamentary approval process, that will exempt mid-market rent homes and build to rent homes from the rent control system set out in the Housing Scotland Act 2025.

“CIH and other stakeholders across the housing sector argued for these exemptions to provide certainty for investors and boost the supply of much needed affordable housing. Our research published last year with Shelter Scotland and SFHA showed a need for significant increases in the supply of social and affordable homes across Scotland. We must deliver 15,693 social and affordable homes, including mid-market rent, every year for the next five years to tackle homelessness and address the housing emergency.

“Exempting high quality, professionally managed and long-term rental homes from rent controls will ensure that Scotland is an attractive place for investors. It will boost the supply of much needed homes, support job creation and most importantly increase the supply of decent, safe and affordable homes across Scotland.”