RENTS are increasing faster in Scotland than in most of the rest of the UK, according to the latest figures from one of the country's largest lettings agent networks.
The Buy-to-Let Index from Your Move has revealed that average residential rents across Scotland are 2.2 per cent (£12) higher than 12 months ago.
Monthly rents increased just 1.5 per cent on average in England and Wales.
Growth is being driven by a lack of supply, while landlords are also topping up rents following the restriction of upfront fees, other than a deposit, by the Scottish Government.
The rising cost of rent has also had an impact on the financial health of tenants, with a slight increase in the number of renters falling into arrears.
The average rent in Scotland stands at £537 per month, back in line with the record set in August this year.
Rents climbed a moderate 0.3 per cent (equivalent to £1) in the month to October, recovering from a dip during September.
Christine Campbell, regional managing director of Your Move, said: "Snags in supply and concerns over potential rent caps are setting the stride in Scotland, but in the longer term, the march of private sector rents is easing back on an annual basis.
"The introduction of any further lettings controls or restrictions by the Scottish Government could further disrupt what was a healthy and extremely gradual rhythm of rent growth - to the detriment of thousands of renters."
Rents in October rose on the previous month across all but one region of Scotland.
The biggest month-on-month increase was recorded in the east, with rents climbing 1.1 per cent (or £5) between September and October.
Average rents in Edinburgh and the Lothians set a new peak of £615 per month, following 0.6 per cent growth since September.
The only region to experience a price fall on a monthly basis was Glasgow and Clyde.
There, the average monthly rent dropped £5, or 0.7 per cent, to £565.
Ms Campbell continued: "Scotland may be outperforming the rest of the UK with higher employment rates and rising wages, but when the rate of inflation is taken into account, in real terms earnings aren't helping people climb out of the red.
"The private rented sector is alleviating some pressure on the cost of living - with rent growth steadying on an annual basis.
"But wage growth needs to be energised for tenant finances to make the next advance."
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