Rental reform questionnaire

On 29 September we emailed members to advise that the Scottish Government had published a paper and response questionnaire setting out proposals for progressing some rental reform measures originally consulted on in 2021.

We know many members feel the questionnaire is biased and undemocratic in not giving options to disagree with the proposals; we share those concerns and have raised them with the government.

However, the government’s stance is that the purpose of the questionnaire isn’t to ask whether respondents agree with these proposals because that was already asked in a previous consultation in 2021.

Following the 2021 consultation, the government has decided it will go ahead with the measures set out in the proposal paper, subject to the approval of parliament. The questionnaire is asking for views on how the measures should operate.

Please respond to choose the least worst option (see our suggested responses here) – like local rent controls instead of national rent controls in question 6. We know tenant groups are urging their members to respond and push for the most extreme options – like national rent controls. It is therefore important for as many landlords as possible to respond to counter those views. Click here to access the questionnaire. Responses need to be submitted by 27 October 2023.

Please also share concerns you have about the impact these proposals will have on your business with your MSP. This is important because in the future MSPs will vote on legislation to introduce these measures. You can contact your MSP using the portal at https://www.writetothem.com/. Try to keep your submission concise and please share a copy of it with SAL.

SAL chief executive John Blackwood had a brief discussion last week with Housing Minister Paul McLennan who is keen to have a meeting with members to hear their views and concerns. We let members know when arrangements for this have been put in place.

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