The Scottish government has published regulations that remove the extended notice periods for residential tenancies, from 30 March. These were introduced to protect tenants during the pandemic.

There are some exceptions, however, and Daryl McIntosh, policy manager for Propertymark, has slammed the continuation of discretionary grounds for possession. McIntosh believes there is no evidence to support this.

Propertymark referred to the significant number of respondents who had opposed this move when it was consulted on last year, with 77% of respondents to a survey voicing opposition.

It also pointed out that while it had been introduced to address the possibility of increases in homelessness, rent arrears and high unemployment, the economy had now recovered and such fears had not materialised.

McIntosh commented: “The return to pre-pandemic notice periods is welcome, if overdue, but the continuation of discretionary grounds for possession simply highlights the Scottish Government’s wilful and continued disregard of the value of the private rented sector.

“It is unclear what – if any − evidence the Scottish government has analysed to consider the removal of mandatory grounds for possession warranted.”

He added: “Continuing to enforce restrictive legislation on private landlords at a time when the rest of society is returning to pre-pandemic ways of living and working is unacceptable, and the long-term outcomes of such intervention are likely to prove extremely damaging for the sector.”