Private sector rent controls in Scotland

Nicola Sturgeon is an advocate of rent controls, she has outlined plans in the Scottish Parliament to introduce them through a Private Tenancies Bill, personally I have always thought some form of rent control would be the most sensible way of keeping a cap on private sector rents, however this method of controlling rents should be researched at depth to ensure they work without harming both Landlord and Tenant.

The introduction of rent controls as exists in Germany cannot acheive the required outcome unless they go hand in hand with other changes such as tax incentives and land releases, making changes without looking at the bigger picture could quite honestly make a shambles of the delicately balanced  private rented sector.

According to an article by Dr John Boyle spokesperson for PRS 4 Scotland he says,  they are putting forward a “framework” that offers a basis to do this and we will be working with government and opposition parties to address the real issues in housing but also warning of the dangers of adopting a rent control system which would be so detrimental to tenants, landlord and indeed homeowners in Scotland.

Original article can be seen: http://www.scotsman.com/news/rented-sector-needs-proper-policy-to-solve-shortage-1-3883461

 

Allen Walkey

Highly experienced businessman with a successful career in property sales and investment both in the UK and abroad. Now a freelance writer and blogger for the property and Investment Industry, keeping readers up-to-date with changes and events in a rapidly changing world.

You May Also Enjoy

Breaking News

Propertymark Annual Sales Price Report 2025

With housing being a fundamental need and playing a vital role in the UK economy, a strong housing market is a vital factor, this report examines the strength of the housing market and looks at average prices year on year. Headline figures The entire of 2024 vs 2025 The number of properties placed for sale…
Read More
Breaking News

Lloyds reveals its 2025 housing hot spots

Plymouth property prices up +12.6% over the past year   Hull joins the top 10, up +6.5%, and fresh from being named a 2026 ‘Best of the World’ destination by National Geographic   Value of a London home dipped slightly (-0.1%) but remain the most expensive overall, averaging £574,514   Amanda Bryden, Head of Mortgages…
Read More
Breaking News

2025: A landmark year for UK renters and homebuyers – what consumers need to know

From major rental reforms to new powers tackling unsafe or empty buildings, 2025 has become one of the most transformative years for housing across the UK. Whether renting, buying, or managing a property, millions of people will feel the effects of the changes rolling out nation by nation. Propertymark has broken down what these changes…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

Are ‘for sale’ boards becoming obsolete?

Earlier this year, Westminster Council announced that it would apply to ban estate agents from displaying sales boards outside residential properties in the local area; now, Epping Forest Council is the latest to follow suit. With this in mind, Jack Malnick, Property Expert and Managing Director at Sell House Fast has shared his thoughts on…
Read More
Christmas Decorations - Good or Bad for Selling
Breaking News

A More Affordable Christmas for Homebuyers

The latest research from award-winning mortgage adviser, Alexander Hall, has revealed that – despite the government failing to leave any affordability-focused initiatives under the tree in the recent Autumn Budget – this Christmas is shaping up to be a far more positive one for the nation’s homebuyers, as borrowers entering the market today are benefitting…
Read More
buying at auction uk
Breaking News

Most active property markets in 2025 revealed

Scotland and Yorkshire home to UK’s most active property markets in 2025 The latest research from The Property DriveBuy reveals that Scotland and Yorkshire have been home to the UK’s most active housing markets in 2025, with Birmingham, Somerset, Cornwall and Buckinghamshire also ranking within the top 10. The Property DriveBuy has analysed the latest…
Read More