Housing Crisis 'Needs Better Private Renting'

A shortage of housing in Scotland could be tackled by an effective private rented sector, according to an industry body.

As landlords from across Scotland gather for an event in Edinburgh, top of the agenda will be ensuring the Scottish Government’s Consultation on a new tenancy for the private sector helps tackles the growing national housing shortage by encouraging investment, increasing standards and guaranteeing choice in the PRS.

The Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL), represents over 1800 landlords across the country, it's 'National Landlord Day' event comes as figures show the country needs 20,000 more houses each year.

In order to help tackle this problem, SAL wants the new legislation to encourage landlords to invest in the sector by: 

• Simplifying paperwork and procedures for starting and ending tenancies
• Ensuring that no restrictions are placed on the ability of landlords to end tenancies
• Making sure that landlords can achieve a market rent for their property both at the start of a tenancy and thereafter.

SAL has worked in partnership with the Council of Letting Agents (CLA), and Shelter Scotland to organise a series of roundtable discussions between their members and stakeholders which will inform each organisations responses to the Scottish Government consultation. 

John Blackwood, Chief Executive of SAL said:  “Many people choose to rent from a private landlord or letting agent because it allows them to live in a property or area they otherwise might not be able to.  Renting in the private sector also allows families to be flexible and able to adapt to changing circumstances of modern life. 

“It is critical that we work together to encourage investment in all types of housing in Scotland and protect the Private Rented Sector whilst continuing to increase standards in the industry and guarantee choice.”

“Whilst we obviously disagree on some details about the proposed new tenancy, we are working together to make the new tenancy as practical and effective as possible.”

Housing and Welfare Minister Margaret Burgess said:  “The Scottish Government is committed to working together with all stakeholders – including tenants, landlords and their representative bodies – to continue to improve the private rented sector in Scotland and we very much welcome the contribution that conferences, such as National Landlord Day, make to the wider dialogue.”