Letting agents warn landlords over Scotland’s looming rent reform

Letting agents in Scotland have warned landlords that the government’s New Deal for Tenants could significantly harm the sector.

Rent controls are one of the key proposals in the Scottish government’s draft strategy which also includes introducing more rights and protections for private renters, making emergency eviction restrictions permanent, setting up a regulator for the private rented sector and setting minimum standards for energy efficiency and zero emissions heating.

Jennifer Campbell, head of estate agency at Baird Lumsden, the rural property arm of DM Hall Chartered Surveyors, has issued an urgent appeal for landlords to respond to the consultation, which closes on 15th April.

She says the availability of rural properties to let is already difficult, particularly when there is competition from second homes and holiday lets.

“Private rented properties are essential where social housing cannot provide and for many, it is simply a lifestyle choice,” says Lumsden.

“Property owners operate under a considerable amount of existing regulation and a survey concluded that the majority of tenants were happy under the current PRS system, questioning why such changes were required.”

Daryl McIntosh (main pic), Propertymark policy manager, wants the Scottish government to show careful consideration before introducing additional regulations to the sector.

Says McIntosh: “We continue to see landlords feeling the pressures of endless legislative changes and exiting the market. Additional pressures could see the sector further crumble.”

“Working in collaboration with our members, stakeholders, politicians and parliamentarians, we aim to continue to raise the standards across the entire industry ensuring people can rent affordable, warm and safe homes from reputable landlords.”

The draft is set to be finalised by the end of this year and new legislation will be brought before parliament in 2023.