The impacts of the new Private Residential Tenancy Regulation on the private rented student accommodation sector in Scotland, and their landlords

Abstract

Private Residential Tenancy was introduced to the Scottish Private Rented Sector on the 1st of
December 2017, replacing the previous tenancy mechanism of Assured and Short Assured
Tenancies in Scotland. This study was initiated to explore the impact that the new lease
would have on the student sub market of the private rented sector in Scotland as it was
identified that the student submarket did not operate the same as the rest of the private rented
sector. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the impacts that the new lease would
have on the private rented sector student accommodation sector and their landlords.
A qualitative research approach was adopted to investigate the topic from the perspective of
professionals in the submarket. Glasgow and Edinburgh were chosen as case studies as both
cities have contrasting local economies therefore conclusions could be drawn based upon the
narratives of both cities, and therefore addressing the wider impact of Private Residential
Tenancy on the wider Scottish student market.
The findings of this research concluded that PRT increases the risk for landlords in the
market, and management practices would have to be adapted to mitigate risk. In addition to
this, future investment into the private rented student accommodation sector will be reduced
making the market less responsive to increasing student demand.