A radical overhaul of the private rental sector is underway in Scotland and agents’ body Propertymark says it wants all sides of the industry to engage in virtual roundtables to debate the changes. 

Proposals put forward by the Scottish Government – and typical of the thinking about the private rental sector across much of the UK right now – include amending the possessions procedure, elevating property and energy efficiency standards, and implementing a national system of rent controls. 

Propertymark has itself backed some of the proposals but has also stressed that others will place additional burdens and costs on landlords and will be detrimental to the sector.

Its three virtual sessions will be held online between 10am and 11.30am on March 9 (discussing reform of the possession process), March 15 (discussing balancing rights and risks) and March 23 (discussion how to ensure affordability).

The roundtables follow the release of the so-called Draft Rented Sector Strategy, which sets out how the Scottish Government will work with private and social landlords and tenants to provide affordable, accessible and energy-efficient homes. 

It outlines a range of measures to provide an accessible and affordable rented sector in Scotland.

Numbers for each virtual roundtable are limited, email Propertymark’s Policy Team — [email protected] — to book a session.

The Draft Strategy is open for consultation until April 2022, and new legislation, including a Housing Bill, is expected in 2023. 

Here is the Draft Rented Sector Strategy.