Scottish Parliament urged to address rent control concerns

The Scottish Government is being urged to consider the findings of a recent report on the Housing (Scotland) Bill – especially over rent control measures.

The call from Propertymark says the report, published by the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee, also raises issues about the lack of clarity in the Bill.

The organisation has welcomed the Committee’s recommendation for a national data collection system on rents and annual reports on the private rented sector.

However, Propertymark remains concerned that the Bill focuses solely on rent control as a solution to affordability, while neglecting the need to increase the supply of affordable PRS properties.

It argues that long-term uncertainty discourages investment and reduces choice for tenants.

Uncertainty impacts investment

Timothy Douglas, Propertymark’s head of policy and campaigns, said: “We are pleased that the Committee has listened and recommended that further clarity is needed because, as we have long said, continued uncertainty impacts investment within the sector and will continue to reduce choice and drive up the cost of renting.

“It is also good to see the Committee recommend the Scottish Government should ensure that it publishes annual reports on the private rental sector.

“We have long felt this is vital to ensure we have evidence-based policymaking by decision-makers.”

He added: “There is still more to be done to strengthen the legislation and bring certainty for landlords, tenants and letting agents.

“Rent control areas need to be clearly defined and easily understood, periodic assessment of rent conditions by local authorities must be consistent and rent control should be linked to the tenancy, not the property.”

He also warns that data collection on rents must be on a national level with data on reasons for rent increases.

Propertymark is inviting stakeholders and the public to share their views with its policy team to strengthen the Bill ahead of the parliamentary debate.

‘Must not cave-in to the landlord lobby’

Committee convener Ariane Burgess said: “We are currently in the midst of a housing emergency and this Bill is an important part of the solution to address that by redressing the imbalance in the relationship between tenants and landlords.

“For rent controls to be effective, however, there is a need for certainty for both tenants and landlords about measures within the Bill and how the proposals will work.”

Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman said: “All parties have agreed that we are in a housing emergency, but the only way we can tackle it is with real action to bring poorly used properties into use and implement a robust system of rent controls.

“The SNP must not cave-in to the landlord lobby and introduce legislation that would impose above inflation rent hikes. If they do so they will be failing tenants.”

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