Landlord group calls for next Scottish government to tackle housing crisis

A landlord organisation has urged the next Scottish government to introduce proportionate legislation that balances the needs of landlords and tenants.

The Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL) has published a ten-point manifesto calling on the next Scottish government to tackle the housing crisis and prevent landlords from leaving the sector.

The Scottish elections will take place on Thursday 7 May 2026.

Stem the flow of landlords leaving the sector

John Blackwood, chief executive of SAL, said: “I am delighted to be publishing SAL’s 2026, ten key asks ahead of the Holyrood election, outlining what our sector hopes to see from the next Scottish Government.

“No matter who forms it, the government must prioritise fixing the housing crisis. This requires creating a transparent, workable, and effective strategy that values the role of the private rented sector.

“If we want to see an increase in investment and stem the flow of landlords leaving the sector, we need the clarity and certainty that such a strategy would bring.

“All prospective MSPs should know that SAL is dedicated to being a good partner in dealing with the issues impacting Scottish housing and that we look forward to working with them in their role.”

Recognise the important role of PRS

One of the proposals includes publishing a private rented sector strategy, which SAL says should “recognise the important role the sector plays in Scotland’s housing market and outline the government’s vision for what proportion of the housing market the private rented sector should comprise”.

SAL also urges the next Scottish government to “commit to proportionate legislation which balances the needs of landlords and tenants, including secondary rent control legislation that ensures landlords who have kept their rents significantly below market value to support tenants are not prevented from resetting rents to market levels for new tenancies”.

Other recommendations include abolishing the LBTT Additional Dwelling Supplement, Scotland’s version of stamp duty, and working with the UK government to reverse the section 24 changes to mortgage interest tax relief.

The organisation also calls for landlords to be given sufficient lead time to comply with any future minimum energy efficiency standards, alongside appropriate exemptions and financial support.