Propertymark has issued a strongly worded statement criticising the latest attempt by politicians to back rent controls for the private sector.

The Housing (Scotland) Bill passed its first stage in the Scottish Parliament at the end of last week, despite widespread criticism that it was half-baked and did not contain solid proposals to increase housing supply north of the border.

Instead it contains substantial measures seeking to introduce private rent controls, provoking Propertymark’s head of policy and campaigns – Timothy Douglas – to speak out.

He says: “Rent controls are not the answer to tackle the housing emergency in Scotland. Increasing the supply of homes to rent, reducing landlord costs and removing the tax burden to buy a property to let will make renting more affordable for tenants.

“Furthermore, the proposals and details for rent control areas in the Bill are limited at best, and offer no clarity for existing agents working with landlords or for new would-be landlords thinking of entering the sector.

“Significant amendments to the legislation are needed if the Scottish Government want to raise property standards and make renting more affordable. 

“This must include removing the application of rent control measures between tenancies in order to allow upgrades such as redecorating, replacing furniture, or installing energy-efficient measures to take place.”

The trade body claims that previous policy decisions by the Scottish Government have led to skyrocketing rents, with the average monthly rent in Scotland increasing 7.2% to £973 in the 12 months to September 2024. 

In its New Deal for Tenants, the Scottish Government talked about affordable rents, the supply of rented homes, and raising standards. However, Propertymark insists the legislation does very little to increase the supply of private rented homes and only offers rent control as the solution to improve affordability for renters.

The body states: “Rent levels are high because there are too many people who have to rent, and not enough homes available. Rents can only be reduced sustainably by increasing the overall supply of all types of homes, so that more people can get a social home or buy their own with a mortgage, and fewer private renters have to compete over each available home.”