The policies of the SNP-controlled Scottish Government risks leading to an exodus of landlords as a result of the removal of ‘no fault’ grounds for repossession and the prospect of rent controls. 

The claim, from lettings portal Citylets, says that 31 per cent of Scottish urban landlords are set to leave the private rental sector completely or at least reduce their portfolios after the decision to remove no fault grounds for repossession. 

Some 39 per cent of urban landlords say they are likely to quit or reduce their investments should rent controls be introduced. 

Just 23 per cent said their approach would be unchanged by the initiatives.

Citylets founder Thomas Ashdown says: ”I no longer see how it is possible to contend that the current plans are consistent with the oft-stated aim to see the private rental sector better without deterring investment and threatening supply.”

Most landlords polled by the portal were agreeable to being bound to rent rises only once a year with 12 weeks notice and also tenants having access to recourse in relation to those rent rises. 

Landlords were, however, in the majority not agreeable to longer notice periods for repossession.