SAL dismayed by Nicola Sturgeons eviction ban announcement

The Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL) said they were dismayed by Nicola Sturgeon’s announcement that she wished to extend the tenant eviction ban until the end of March 2021 despite this having to first be passed through the Scottish Parliament.

SAL Chief executive, John Blackwood, said: “Extending the emergency measures on evictions will only push a critical problem into the future when it needs to be tackled head-on now.

“What we need to focus on is how we can sustain tenancies during the crisis. Landlords should continue to be flexible and understanding and tenants should ensure that their landlord is kept informed about changes to allow for reasonable solutions to be found.

“In order to address the root of the problem, the government must provide support for tenants affected by the pandemic to pay their rent.

“Other administrations such as the Welsh Assembly Government are looking at imaginative ways to put money into tenants’ pockets for rent, and we believe the Scottish Government should follow suit as quickly as possible to prevent the collapse of a vital part of the housing sector.”