Campaign launched to fight policies ‘damaging Scotland’s PRS’

Landlords in Scotland are being urged to back a National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) campaign that will challenge policies from the Sottish Government that damage the country’s private rented sector (PRS).

The move follows a decision by the government to develop a rent freeze and ban on repossessions in the PRS without proper consultation with stakeholders.

The campaign, which is being led by a coalition of organisations from across the UK’s PRS, has launched an online crowdfunding campaign page to fund a judicial review of the policies.

Measures being extended beyond the legal cut-off date

The review would help prevent the measures from being extended beyond the legal cut-off date of 20th September 2023.

The NRLA’s chief executive, Ben Beadle, said: “Renters across Scotland are being hit by policies which undermine the supply of the very homes they need.

“It is deeply worrying that such damaging and short-sighted policies can be developed without proper consultation with stakeholders.

“I urge all those wanting sensible policy that works for both renters and responsible landlords to support the campaign.”

Campaign group is being backed by the Scottish Association of Landlords

The campaign group is being backed by the Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL), Propertymark and Scottish Land and Estates (SLE), along with the NRLA.

John Blackwood, the chief executive of SAL, said: “Our job is to stand up for our members and to represent their views.

“Over the years we have been able to do that in a constructive manner with the Scottish Government and, as a result, have secured changes which have improved the private rented sector in Scotland.”

He added: “However, arbitrary rent freezes and eviction bans discriminate against private landlords, reduce investment and harm both landlords and tenants, while making it harder to solve Scotland’s housing crisis.

“With pressure being placed on landlords by governments throughout the UK, now more than ever, landlords all over the country need to work together in ensuring our voice is heard.”

Scottish restrictions have been widely criticised

The Scottish restrictions have been widely criticised – with Paul Stallan, who co-designed the Commonwealth Games athletes’ village in Glasgow, saying they are ‘a blunt instrument’ which are ‘damaging’ investment in rented homes.

The Chartered Institute of Housing in Scotland has also warned that the rent cap will ‘undermine tenants’ housing outcomes’ by choking off the supply of homes available to rent.

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