Landlords, tenants to get dispute resolution panel

A NEW tribunal will be created to deal with disputes between private landlords and tenants, Scottish housing minister Margaret Burgess has announced.

The new service will aim to settle disputes between landlords and tenants. Picture: Ian Georgeson

The Scottish Government said it will deliver more effective and efficient justice for people in the sector than the current sheriff court system.

Ms Burgess said: “Where parties cannot reach an agreement to resolve their dispute, someone else needs to step in.

“By introducing a specialist private rented sector tribunal, tenants and landlords will benefit from a more accessible and specialist decision-maker for their disputes.

“This will enable increased access to effective justice.”

Private rented sector (PRS) tribunals have been welcomed by both landlords and tenants.

John Blackwood, chief executive of the Scottish Association of Landlords, said: “We welcome the announcement of a housing tribunal for PRS cases as a way to address the many legal disputes faced by landlords and tenants.”

Graeme Brown, director of Shelter Scotland, added: “Tenants will be able to assert their legal rights without being put off by the formality and significant costs of court action.”