Category: Legislation

Scottish Rent Controls Parked for Now

The Fair Rents (Scotland) Bill to control rent levels in the private rented sector was introduced to the Scottish Parliament on June 1st, however, it did not progress to the first stage of consideration. The Bill, dubbed the Mary Barbour Bill after the legendary rent strike organiser from the early part of the 20th century, …

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Students Will Be Released from Tenancies Early

Following closure of universities in light of the Coronavirus outbreak and public health measures taken to tackle its spread, many students have returned to their family homes, complying with the Government’s guidance. Whilst students living in the private rented sector (PRS) could terminate their tenancy by giving a 28 day notice under the Private Housing …

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Landlord Registration in Scotland Set for Change

It has been mandatory for Scottish private landlords to register with their local authority since 2004, however, the range of required information landlords must provide is limited. Therefore, following a consultation, the government is planning on introducing new changes to the registration process, with a view to improving standards in the Scottish private rented sector. …

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Mary Barbour Bill to Be Invoked in Scotland?

The Scottish government has launched a new consultation on introducing measures to restrict rent increases in the Private Rented Sector. Rent caps and proposed changes The Scottish Private Rented Sector already has a form of rent control. At present, local councils can apply to Scottish Ministers to have an area designated as a Rent Pressure …

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Will Changes to Rent a Room Relief Deter Landlords?

Rent a room scheme allows individuals to earn up to £7,500 a year tax free from renting out a spare room in their main or only residence. The relief was first introduced in 1992 with the intention of incentivising people to take in lodgers rather than rent out whole properties. Shared occupancy test Following on …

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Proposals for Change to Landlord Registration

A consultation regarding changes to the landlord registration scheme was announced last month by the Scottish Government. Landlord registration became compulsory in 2004 with the aim to improve standards in the private rented sector in Scotland. Kevin Stewart, Housing Minister for Scotland, explained that the current system needs to be more vigorous to ensure landlords …

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