The lettings industry in Scotland is continuing to keep up its pressure on the Government over its proposed reforms for the sector.

In two consultations, the Government is proposing rent controls and has already made clear it is committed to abolishing the ‘no fault’ ground for landlords wishing to reclaim their properties.

In a blog for The Scotsman, Mike Campbell, managing director of Belvoir in Edinburgh, said: “I, on behalf of the Council of Letting Agents (CLA) along with John Blackwood, chief executive of the Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL), met with housing minister Margaret Burgess MSP to discuss our collective concerns about tenancy reform and the possibility of rent controls being imposed on the private rented sector in Scotland.

“We also presented to the minister our e-petition which, to date, has received more than 3,500 signatures.

“This meeting marked an important stage in the discussions that SAL and the CLA have been holding with the Scottish Government over the last few months.

“Negotiations with the minister and other MSPs underline our commitment in the coming months to represent the concerns outlined in both our e-petition and consultation responses as we look to protect and encourage critical future investment in the PRS in Scotland.

“As an industry, we fully support measures which will help strike a balance, but do not believe measures like rent controls or ending the ‘no fault’ clause will achieve this.

“We would urge the Scottish Government to reconsider additional protections for tenants without harming investment in the private rented sector.”