An association representing rural landlords and businesses in Scotland wants that country's politicians to follow the example of those in England and Wales, and ban so-called retaliatory evictions'.
Scottish Land & Estates claims there is a need for a similar approach from Scottish politicians. Its policy officer, Katy Dickson, says: Both the English and Scottish private housing sectors are facing issues with high demand, low supply and problems enforcing current legislation. This has resulted in irresponsible landlords acting as they please and bringing down the reputation of the whole sector.
Currently the Scottish Government is consulting on a raft of changes to the way that country's private rental sector is regulated, including new rules governing letting agents, energy efficiency minimum standards and new tenancy durations and regulations.
[We have] suggested a solution to the current rental issues that is very much in line with what has been deemed the most appropriate way forward south of the border. Organisations such as Shelter maintain there is an issue with people not feeling able to report required repairs due to the fear of eviction. We have seen little evidence of this but accept that it could be the case in a small minority of cases admits Dickson.
SL&E says the current mechanism to end a tenancy after the initial period could remain in Scotland, but would not stand if it was used as a result of the tenant notifying the landlord of repairs and this report was not appropriately dealt with.
But it insists such a change should be done sensitively to avoid driving landlords out of the sector.
%20-%20IMAGE%20Client%20Accounting%20%E2%80%93%20what%20are%20your%20options.jpg)
Comments
What a load of rubbish!
What landlord in his right mind would want the ability to evict a nuisance tenant removed I would suggest that Scottish Land & Estates consult their members before making these ridiculous comments!
Revenge evictions are a myth perpetuated by the likes of Shelter etc. I don't believe that any landlord would simply evict on a whim because a tenant has asked for a repair. No landlord wants a void period or the cost of re-letting. It is about time the council and others realise who actually owns the properties. If they want to inflict draconian measures then maybe they should supply their own housing!