A new study commissioned by the SafeDeposits Scotland Charitable Trust warns that landlords are being forced to navigate a patchwork of government websites, council guidance, newsletters, online forums and informal “word of mouth” sources to understand their legal duties. Many of those interviewed described a system where information is scattered, outdated or contradictory.

One landlord told researchers: “I think they change all the time and there’s no one place that gets clearly communicated.” Another said they found online guidance “out of date, frankly wrong, even on the government website.”

Although most landlords saw themselves as responsible providers of housing and wanted to comply with the rules, the research found they were often hampered by unclear guidance, complex regulation, rising costs and difficulties securing tradespeople to carry out essential work. The study also noted that landlords were more often motivated by wanting to provide safe homes than by fear of enforcement action.

The findings build on the Trust’s 2025 Voice of the Landlord Survey, which reported that only 41% of landlords felt able to keep up with sector changes, a drop from 51% the previous year. Just 21% believed legal changes were clearly communicated, and one in four smaller landlords said they could not keep up with new requirements.

Researchers also highlighted that many landlords rely on passive updates such as emails or media coverage, which can create a false sense of confidence in their compliance. Others reported delays to repairs, inspections and safety checks due to difficulties finding reliable contractors. Despite being part of Scotland’s landlord registration system, many said they received little or no direct communication from local authorities.

The study comes as more than 330,000 households in Scotland now live in the private rented sector, with major reforms on the horizon, including proposed rent controls and new energy efficiency standards.

To improve compliance, the Trust recommends creating a single online hub containing all current Scottish private rented sector regulation and guidance; clearer and more proactive communication when rules change; expanded practical tools such as templates and step‑by‑step guidance; targeted financial support to help landlords meet future energy efficiency requirements; and the development of approved contractor lists to support essential works.

Dr Jennifer Harris, head of policy at SafeDeposits Scotland, said landlords need clarity and support to meet the standards expected of them. She warned that many who are trying to do the right thing are instead “piecing together information from multiple sources and hoping they have not missed something important.”

She added that if reforms to the private rented sector are to succeed, landlords require clearer communication, simpler systems and more practical support to comply with the rules.