In November, the Regulator published a thematic inquiry report on rent consultation which stated that landlords need to know what their current and future tenants can afford to pay when considering any increase to their rent.

The report found some landlords engage positively with their tenants about the costs and options for providing services and seek their views on potential rent increases. But other landlords need to do more to discuss with their tenants what they can afford and give them information about options for potential rent increases.

Speaking at Scotland’s Housing Network’s Tenant Participation Forum in Inverkeithing last week, Kathleen McInulty, assistant director of regulation (governance and performance), said: “The amount of rent tenants have to pay is one of the most important decisions that landlords need to consult with their tenants about. Last year, we published our thematic inquiry report on rent consultation. We found that some landlords consult well with tenants about rent levels, but others need to do more to talk to tenants about what level of rent is affordable and how tenants want their rent to be spent.”

In her speech, Kathleen called on landlords to speak to their tenants, provide clear information, and listen to their views.

The thematic inquiry report also shares positive practice and makes recommendations for social landlords about consulting with tenants about what affordable rent means.