David Walker | Walker Design Co.Timothy Douglas, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Propertymark, writes rent control proposals in the UK’s proposed Housing Bill will do nothing to support more private rented homes in Scotland:
Sirs,
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.
These 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.
Timothy Douglas
Head of Policy and Campaigns,
Propertymark
Author
