News archives
Landlord Voice – catch up with episode 6 of SAL’s new podcast now
Episode 6: Scottish Letting Day 2025 debate special In this special episode, regular hosts John Blackwood and Alan Grant introduce the full recording of the political party debate that took place at SAL’s annual Scottish Letting Day conference. Hosted by the...
Preparing for winter
With winter approaching and many people trying to reduce their heating bills, there will be concerns about tenants adequately heating properties to prevent the risk of burst pipes and damage from condensation. With this in mind SAL, members may wish to contact their...
SAL board of directors update
SAL is delighted to announce some new appointments to its board of directors. SAL chair, Stephen Peasnall, writes “On behalf of SAL, I am delighted to welcome Laura Mearns and John Davidson to our board of directors. Laura and John join Penny Coburn who also recently...
Making Tax Digital is coming – get ready now
By HMRC From April 2026, Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax will transform how self-employed individuals and landlords manage their tax. In fact, it’s the biggest change to Income Tax since HMRC launched Self Assessment more than 30 years ago. ...
CIH Scotland Private Rented Sector Survey
CIH Scotland is undertaking research with housing professionals and tenants working and living in the private rented sector (PRS). A well-functioning PRS is essential to the overall functioning of the housing system, providing dynamic, accessible housing to...
Data (Use and Access) Act 2025: Changes to UK Data Protection Law
The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (DUA) became law on 19 June 2025 and, once implemented, will make changes to the UK’s data protection framework. The UK Government is taking a ‘staged’ approach to introducing the changes, with most expected to take effect in...
EPC reform
The Scottish Government has recently published draft legislation to reform energy performance certificates (EPCs) in Scotland.From 31st October 2026, EPCs will include a new Heat Retention Rating, showing how well the property retains heat. It is expected that future...
Landlord Voice – episode 5 is now available
Episode 5: Why is training so important in Scotland’s private rented sector? Alan Grant and John Blackwood are back with another episode of Landlord Voice. In this packed episode, John and Alan discuss the Housing (Scotland) Bill and the ways in which SAL has...
Housing (Scotland) Bill completes passage through parliament
The Housing (Scotland) Bill, which was first laid before parliament in March 2024, has now completed its final stage of scrutiny in the Scottish Parliament and will become law once it receives Royal Assent from the King. In the final stage of voting there were no...
SAL gives evidence to parliament on EPC reform
On Tuesday 30 September SAL’s chief executive, John Blackwood, gave evidence to the Scottish Parliament on the government’s plans to reform Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). John outlined SAL’s opposition to the proposal to reduce the EPC renewal timescale from...