New Law on Private Landlords
6th October 2010
New legislation under discussion at the Scottish Parliament proposes reform to the system for registering private landlords.
Alex Neil MSP, Housing and Communities Minister, spoke of the Private Rented Housing (Scotland) Bill, commenting that, "Good, lawful landlords have nothing to fear from this bill. This government wants to encourage a vibrant and responsive Scottish private rented sector, which provides good quality and well-managed accommodation.
"I see the private rented sector as more important than ever in providing good quality accommodation given the economic challenges that face the public sector.
"The bill sends a clear message to bad and unlawful landlords that they will not be tolerated, and give greater powers to local authorities to tackle the problem.
"We also plan to tighten landlord registration and HMO licensing by toughening up on the worst offenders by significantly increasing penalties. I have also ordered a root and branch review of landlord registration."
If the Bill becomes law, private landlords will have to give their tenants certain information on their rights, while maximum fines for landlords will increase from £5,000 pounds £50,000 pounds, and courts will be empowered to ban landlords from letting property for up to five years.
Letting agents charging will also be made accountable for charging premiums, already illegal, and a review of the landlord registration will follow.
Douglas Robertson, Chair of the Private Rented Sector Strategy Group, said, "The group welcomes the fact that the private rented sector is being seen as a priority area for housing reform, and these measures will help set in place a better functioning sector for both tenants and landlords.
"We are especially pleased that the government fully took on board our proposals for ensuring transparency for both parties in relation to tenancy conditions, through the introduction of a tenancy pack."