22.This section applies where a local authority considers that there has been a significant change in the level of rents, or rate of increase in rents, under relevant tenancies in its area since the submission of its most recent report to the Scottish Ministers under section 1(1). In this case, the local authority may carry out an additional interim assessment of rent conditions in its area (see subsection (2)), and it must inform the Scottish Ministers if it is carrying out an interim assessment of rent conditions (see subsection (3)). In addition, if the Scottish Ministers consider that there has been a significant change in the level of rents, or the rate of increase in rents, under relevant tenancies of properties in the area of a local authority since the local authority submitted its most recent report under section 1(1), the Scottish Ministers may direct the local authority under subsection (5) to carry out an interim assessment of rent conditions of the level of rents or the rate of increase in rents (or both) in its area.
23.After carrying out an interim assessment of rent conditions, the local authority must submit an additional report relating to the interim assessment to the Scottish Ministers as soon as reasonably practicable after completing the assessment or, where the local authority was directed to carry out the assessment by the Scottish Ministers, within any time limit specified in the Scottish Ministers’ direction (see subsections (6) and (7)).
24.In carrying out an interim assessment of rent conditions and preparing the follow-up report, a local authority must have regard to any guidance issued by the Scottish Ministers (see sections 6 and 7).
Crown Application Part 1 – Rent Consideration of rent conditions reports Section 3 - Interim assessment and reports by local authority