Scottish Government unveils its rent freeze legislation

Absolutely ridiculous.

A few months ago Eddie Hughes one of the now ex housing ministers said there would be no rent controls in England. Luckily for Landlords the Government doesn't do U turns on policy. Hang on..........Wait a minute!

So its only Tenants that the Scottish Govt seek to protect from inflation ? ( as if that was practically achievable without being discriminatory and challengingly - illegal. -

What about the rest - majority of the population !
Does Kranky propose a law to stop Building societies increasing householders mortgage payments
( don't laugh, she started it )

Harvie added: “People who rent their homes are more likely to live in poverty or be on low incomes than homeowners."

With mortgage interest rates going up every month , "owners " could end up losing everything, remember the bank has a first charge over the property until its paid off.
Looks like this Clown Harvie will be wrong once again.
Sturgeon has given him this poison chalice, if it goes well it will be the Scottish nasty party crowing , if it goes tits up wee tweed clad Clown harvie will be rolled out to the chopping block .Landlords really do need a association thats on their side ,Currently we have no credible voice .

https://thenegotiator.co.uk/crisis-in-scottish-private-rental-sector-deepens-says-agency/

Andrew Jack from Belvoir Edinburgh:
“The current situation is incredibly difficult for tenants.

“We recently released two flats to the market, and within 48 hours had received over 1000 enquiries for each of them from potential tenants.”

Headlines are Rent Freeze, but much more disconcerting and damaging is the freeze on evictions, with the few exceptions (other than abandonment) difficult to evidence and thus challenging to pass FTT. Written to local and Regional MSPs with lack of empathy from SNP as to the fair balance on landlord rights.

Reply to the comment left by Chris @ Possession Friend at 04/10/2022 - 12:09
...and repossessions for defaulters.

Political posturing that does more harm than good to an already fragile Private Rented Sector. Plus there is already legislation in place where if a tenant is unhappy with a rent increase they can go to the First Tier Tribunal (FTT) and the Rent Officer who can decide if an increase is justified. Rather than deal with the real issue that is the massive shortage of rental properties or affordable housing lets force investment and Landlords out the sector. Lose/ Lose for everyone looking to rent or buy as the money moves elsewhere.

What's better than rent control? A tax on vacant lots and unoccupied buildings. While rent control makes it less attractive to supply accommodation, a vacant-property tax makes it less attractive NOT to!

Now here's the kicker: If you're a commercial property investor, a vacant-property tax in nearby residential areas RAISES the value of your property by keeping it supplied with prospective customers and workers. Moreover, the desired *avoidance* of the vacant-property tax would initiate economic activity, expanding the bases of other taxes and allowing their rates to be reduced, so the rest of us—including business operators, and landlords with tenants—would pay LESS tax!