In recent news, Scottish landlords are challenging the extension of rent control regulations that have been put in place by the Scottish government. The regulations, which were introduced in December 2017, limit the amount of rent landlords can charge tenants. This has caused a great deal of controversy among landlords, who argue that the regulations are unfair and will reduce their income.
The regulations, which are part of the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016, limit the amount of rent landlords can charge to no more than the rate of inflation. This means that landlords cannot increase their rent beyond the rate of inflation, even if they have made improvements to the property or if the market rate for rent has increased. The regulations also give tenants more security, as landlords cannot evict them without a valid reason.
The Scottish government has argued that these regulations are necessary to protect tenants from unfair rent increases. They also argue that it will help to make renting more affordable for people on low incomes. However, landlords have argued that the regulations are unfair and will reduce their income. They have also argued that the regulations will discourage investment in rental properties, as landlords may be less likely to invest in properties if they cannot increase their rent beyond the rate of inflation.
The Scottish Landlords Association (SLA) has launched a legal challenge against the regulations, arguing that they are a breach of human rights. They have argued that the regulations are an unjustified interference with the right to property and an unjustified interference with the right to freedom of contract. The SLA has also argued that the regulations are disproportionate and will have a negative effect on landlords’ incomes.
The legal challenge is currently being considered by the Court of Session in Edinburgh. It is unclear at this stage how the court will rule on the challenge. However, it is clear that this is an issue that has caused a great deal of controversy among landlords and tenants in Scotland. It remains to be seen how the court will rule on the challenge and what impact this will have on landlords and tenants in Scotland.