Propertymark has criticised the Scottish government’s plans to extend the tenant eviction ban north of the border.
The Scottish government introduced a temporary ban on the enforcement of eviction orders in the private and social rented sectors last year to protect renters during the pandemic, but whilst other UK nations are lifting the ban, Scotland will decide this week whether to introduce measures that will enable them to extend the ban.
Tuesday 22 June will mark the start of a three-day long debate which could see the extension of the Emergency Coronavirus Laws by at least another six months.
Deputy first minister and cabinet secretary for Covid Recovery, John Swinney, confirmed that it is not yet in the Bill but has committed to engaging constructively on that question – he said the measures were under close consideration.
Daryl Mcintosh, Propertymark’s policy expert based in Scotland, is opposed to the proposal.
He said: “There isn’t enough data to support a policy decision that will continue to curtail landlords’ ability to lawfully recover possession of their properties when all other options have been exhausted. Propertymark and our members are committed to working to higher standards than the law requires.
“Eviction is always the last resort and is only considered once all options have been explored to help clear rent arrears and keep tenants in their homes. Our members want to work with tenants, and it is not constructive to assume the default position will be for agents and landlords to want to evict.
“We’ve been engaging with our letting agent members throughout the pandemic and what they’re telling us doesn’t support this logic.”
Propertymark have launched a campaign against extending measures, and is encouraging agents and other property professionals to write to their MSPs opposing the plans.
Comments (5)
Why is the government so anti landlord?
Why would a landlord want to evict a perfectly good tenant? Would a supermarket evict a perfect shopper from their premises?
I have NEVER had to evict occupants who complied with their contract. 5 tenants I evicted for rent defaulting costing me hundreds of thousands…………………..don’t ask!! Feckless rent defaulting tenants have financially ruined me. Had I ever appreciated eviction difficulties I would never have bothered being a LL. The reason Govt hates small LL is because the lefties hate LL. Govt wants OO who it reckons will vote Tory. They couldn’t be more wrong of course; but that is the idiot Tories for you. They don’t seem to understand GR won’t vote Tory no matter how enfranchised they maybe with OO by the Tories. So it wants to eradicate small LL so that rental homes are available to OO. About 20% of housing stock is owned by LL. Govt would like to reduce this to 7% with NO mortgaged LL remaining. Govt hopes that Corporates will replace small LL. There is no doubt that Govt is seeking to eradicate small LL to be replaced with large Corporates. Govt will do all it can do to assist large Corporates. Unfair regulations and policies will be used to drive small LL out of business. It is just the way it is!!
Propertymark are idiots.
The ONLY reason LL have to evict is because tenants refuse to comply with S21 or any NTQ notice.
Tenants game the system and await eviction as they know it will take ages before bailiffs evict.
During that time they can evade paying rent and live for free.
Getting rid of rent defaulting tenants is the only way to resolve rent defaulting.
Not one of my lot have ever paid rent arrears.
Getting rid of feckless tenants quickly is the only way to deal with rent defaulting tenants.
Unfortunately Govt makes this impossible and will continue to make even more difficult.
No wonder that many long standing LL are getting out of the game.
Rent defaulting during the CV19 process has been ruinous for LL.
.
Many are deciding enough is enough.
I know I have.
Tenants will rue the day LL have disappeared.
It is already happening that tenants can’t find suitable rental accommodation.
No surprise for LL but tenants don’t realise why.
Where Scotland goes England follows.
English LL should be concerned!
Difference being that most of Scotland’s tenants are SNP followers.