Propertymark has strongly opposed a proposal by the Scottish Government to radically reform the private rental sector.

The proposals put out for consultation include:

– increasing penalties for illegal evictions and stronger enforcement;

– restricting evictions during winter;

– national rent controls; 

– giving tenants greater flexibility to personalise their homes and keep pets;

– introducing a new Housing Standard to apply to all homes;

– establishing a private rented sector regulator to uphold these standards and ensure the system is fair for both landlords and tenants;

– setting minimum standards for energy efficiency, making homes cheaper to heat while contributing to Scotland’s climate change targets.

The consultation closes on April 15 but Propertymark’s policy manager, Daryl McIntosh, has already spoken out about the measures.

He says: “Whilst we support the right to an adequate home and the Scottish Government’s commitment to elevate standards and quality in the private rented sector, we fear the policies outlined in the Draft Rented Sector Strategy will have unintended consequences and ultimately be detrimental to tenants unless there is a balance with landlords’ rights.

“We have real concerns that the proposed system of rent controls will undermine the viability of the private rented sector and do nothing to tackle the perceived affordability issues, while further regulatory burdens will inevitably continue to force landlords to exit the market.

“If the Scottish Government wants to ensure a healthy supply of good quality, affordable and secure homes, it must recognise the value and significance of the private rented sector and actively encourage more investors to provide homes. 

“Only by increasing and sustaining investment in the sector can it achieve its aims, and the strategy as drafted falls far short of providing the certainties and incentives that are needed.”

The consultation closes on April 15 and you can see the full document here.