Details are beginning to emerge of the measures likely to be imposed on the private rental sector in Scotland as a result of the new political deal about the running of the country.

Headlines over the weekend – when the SNP and Green parties struck their deal to create a solid majority in the Scottish Parliament – concentred on rent controls. But the reality is the rental sector reform goes much further.  

This is what it says in the formal 50-page agreement between the two parties:

We therefore agree, as part of the Rented Sector Strategy to be published by the end of 2021, to deliver a new deal for tenants. This new deal will be developed in consultation, and will:

– create a new housing regulator for the private rented sector to improve standards and enforce tenants’ rights.

– enhance tenants’ rights, including through greater restrictions on evictions over winter, providing additional security for tenants.

– introduce new rights for tenants, for example giving tenants greater flexibility to decorate their home and to keep pets.

– put in place additional penalties and compensation for illegal evictions.

Following the conclusion of the Rented Sector Strategy consultation we will publish a final Rented Sector Strategy and introduce a Housing Bill in the second year of this parliamentary session, to deliver a number of the legislative changes required to implement the Strategy.

We will also implement an effective national system of rent controls, with an appropriate mechanism to allow local authorities to introduce local measures. We will consult on the options, deliver legislation and implement rent controls by the end of 2025.