Renting trust

It is encouraging news that the Scottish Government has provided new amendments to the Housing (Scotland) Bill.

Recommendations for the operation of the private rental sector and regulations for letting agents are things I applaud.

With stricter controls in place, there is a framework for increasing the knowledge and awareness of landlords and tenants, setting the right expectations for people and their homes. But I would go further.

Expertise within the industry needs to be recognised 
with formal qualifications and there needs to be a benchmark for good governance, including the handling of client money.

A license to operate, with penalties for those who fall short of the standards required, should not be out of the question.

Not everything is going to happen at once and every 
letting agency will have to face up to new and different challenges.

However, the steps taken now will embed greater trust and improve the reputation of the industry all round.

Malcolm Cannon

Braemore

North Charlotte Street

Edinburgh