Landlords in Scotland are being encouraged to back a campaign challenging policies that are claimed to be harming the private rented sector.
The Scottish Government’s recent decision to implement a rent freeze and ban on repossessions in the private rented sector, without proper consultation with stakeholders, has spurred a coalition of organisations to take action.
The campaign, led by groups including the Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL), the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), PropertyMark, and Scottish Land and Estates (SLE), has launched an online crowdfunding campaign page to fund a judicial review of the Scottish Government’s policies.
The group aims to prevent the measures from being extended beyond the legal cut-off date of 20th September 2023.
Critics of the Scottish Government’s restrictions include Paul Stallan, co-designer of the Commonwealth Games athletes’ village in Glasgow, who has warned that the policies are “a blunt instrument” which are now “proving to be damaging” to investment in rental homes.
The Chartered Institute of Housing in Scotland has also cautioned that the rent cap will “undermine tenants’ housing outcomes” by restricting the supply of homes available to rent.
Ben Beadle, chief executive of the NRLA, said: “Renters across Scotland are being hit by policies which undermine the supply of the very homes they need. 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, chief executive of SAL, added: “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.”
