Coalition slams Scots Government over rent cap and evictions freeze – LandlordZONE

Landlords have heavily criticised the Scottish government’s decision to implement its evictions freeze and rent cap without a proper consultation.

The measures, which were widely criticised earlier this year for being rushed through, are now being fought by a coalition of organisations from across the UK’s private rented sector.

These are the Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL), the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), PropertyMark and Scottish Land and Estates (SLE).

Individual landlords are being asked to back the campaign by donating to an online crowdfunding page to fund a previously announced judicial review of the Scottish Government’s policies. It aims to raise £10,000 and is currently at £2,600.

This will seek to prevent the measures being extended beyond the legal cut-off date of 20^th September 2023.

Criticism has come from other quarters other than landlords including leading build-to-rent figure Paul Stallan who has called the measures “a blunt instrument” which is “proving to be damaging” to investment.

The Chartered Institute of Housing in Scotland has similarly warned that the rent cap will “undermine tenants’ housing outcomes”, by restricting the supply of homes available to rent.  

Deeply worrying

“Renters across Scotland are being hit by policies which undermine the supply of the very homes they need,” says Ben Beadle (pictured), Chief Executive of the National Residential Landlords Association.

“It is deeply worrying that such damaging and short-sighted policies can be developed without proper consultation with stakeholders.

“I urge all those wanting sensible policy that works for both renters and responsible landlords to support the campaign.”

John Blackwood (pictured), Chief Executive of the Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL), adds: “Our job is to stand up for our members and to represent their views.

“Over the years we have been able to do that in a constructive manner with the Scottish Government and, as a result, have secured changes which have improved the private rented sector in Scotland.

“However, arbitrary rent freezes and eviction bans discriminate against private landlords, reduce investment and harm both landlords and tenants, while making it harder to solve Scotland’s housing crisis.”

“With pressure being placed on landlords by governments throughout the UK, now more than ever, landlords all over the country need to work together in ensuring our voice is heard.”