SNP unveils strategy for private rents

THE Scottish Government has said it plans to work with letting agents to develop regulations to modernise the private rented property sector.

Margaret Burgess said the regulations are aimed at improving management standards and quality of service for tenants and landlords. Picture: TSPL

The regulations are aimed at improving management standards and quality of service for tenants and landlords, housing minister Margaret Burgess said.

“We want to ensure all letting agents meet the standards of those that provide the best service. By working with letting agents on further regulation of the industry, we will help to ensure private rented accommodation is of a good quality and well managed, benefiting both tenants and landlords,” she said.

“This strategy commits us to consulting in the near future with all stakeholders to examine the suitability and effectiveness of the current tenancy regime, and we will consider legislative change where required.”

While the strategy was welcomed by some organisations, Labour said it was disappointing.

The party’s housing spokeswoman, Elaine Murray, said: “I am struggling to find anything new in this ‘strategy’ or any solid commitment for action to tackle the issues in the private rental sector, which is very disappointing. Instead we have a lot of woolly promises about yet more consultation and discussion.”