Scottish landowners concerned about rent freeze plan

Scottish landowners have warned that plans to implement a rent freeze until at least 31 March 2023 and a moratorium on evictions may hit the supply of rural homes.

The Scottish government announced its intention to introduce a rent freeze to protect tenants during the cost-of-living crisis, as part of its new programme for government.

But Sarah-Jane Laing, chief executive of Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), said the freeze was likely to compound supply problems with the private rented sector, and may affect required investment in energy efficiency measures.

See also: Scots government sets out plans for future of farm support

“Rural estates provide a huge supply of affordable housing, often significantly outstripping supply from councils and housing associations.

“The ban on evictions also seems a disproportionate response given that approval already needs to be provided by a tribunal, which takes full account of tenants’ personal circumstances.”

The SLE said very few of the proposals in the government’s programme would help the rural economy and communities to prosper.

The omission of the new Agriculture Bill also added to the uncertainty faced by farmers and land-based businesses.

“Our farming businesses are also facing a hugely uncertain period and the omission of a new Agriculture Bill from the programme, despite it being the subject of a current consultation, will mean farmers and land managers have less time to prepare themselves for new public support rules due to come in by 2025.”