Scottish landlords warn that rent controls will ‘backfire’

Landlords in Scotland are warning that proposed rent controls will backfire, leading to a reduction in rental supply and higher rents for tenants.

The warning comes from the Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL) which met for its annual conference yesterday (19 Nov).

The landlords say they are bracing for the potential negative consequences of proposed rent controls that the Scottish Government’s Housing Bill will bring in.

The Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee has just published its report on the Bill – with Propertymark among those urging the government to take note of it.

The report says that more clarity on the Bill is needed – especially to address landlord concerns about the rent control proposals.

‘Controls will backfire’

SAL’s chief executive, John Blackwood, welcomed recent amendments to the Bill, but cautioned that the legislation could penalise landlords who choose to keep rents low to support tenants in need.

He said: “Our annual conference is a chance for our sector to get together, connect and share best practice.

“Conference also allows us to share our concerns about the hostility we have faced, evident in proposals like rent controls and a ban on raising rents between tenancies.”

He added: “We know that such controls will backfire, forcing landlords out of the sector and pushing rents up and supply down.

“We pride ourselves on providing good quality, flexible homes that suit our tenants’ needs.”

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