Consultation looks at making rented sector fairer for tenants

Scotland’s private rented housing sector is set for its first overhaul in 25 years with the launch of a Scottish government consultation.

Under the proposals tenants would be given greater security with the government creating more effective regulation of the sector, tougher enforcement and attracting new investment.

Notice to quit would be tied to length of tenancy while the consultation - currently landlords and tenants must give notice to quit of between 28 and 40 days.

The consultation will also explore rent controls, perhaps capping some.

Shelter Scotland policy and research manager Rosemary Brotchie said: “This consultation will benefit everyone in the industry, tenants and landlords alike. Too often we focus on rogue landlords but the majority act within the law and many welcome simpler and more modern terms of regulation.”

This consultation will benefit everyone in the industry, tenants and landlords alike - Rosemary Brotchie

But the Scottish Association of Landlords said it had “serious objections” to proposals to end landlords’ right to terminate a tenancy at the end of a lease.

Chief executive John Blackwood also raised concerns about the effect of reform on the Edinburgh market, which relies on student stock being available to festival-goers each summer.

He said: “Such proposals will have a negative effect on private landlords renting to students, who need to terminate tenancies at the end of the academic year. This, combined with a threat of rent controls, will deter landlords from investing in the sector and drive many to selling up and exiting the market.

“We are astonished that as we struggle to find much needed housing for people in Scotland, the Scottish Government seems even more determined to reduce the supply of housing by proposing legislation that will only seek to encourage good landlords to invest outwith Scotland or sell up altogether.”

The consultation will run until 28 December.