Law to protect good landlords

APR 12, 2011

MSPs recently passed a new law that will raise the standard of private rented housing in Scotland.

The Private Rented Housing (Scotland) Bill will protect the reputation of Scotlands good landlords and tackle the minority of bad landlords who are acting illegally.

Local authorities will have greater powers to tackle bad practise and penalise unlawful operators while improving tenants and landlords awareness of their rights and responsibilities.

Bad landlords face a £50,000 fine and a ban on letting flats for up to five years. There will also be a crack down on unscrupulous agents charging extortionate, unlawful premiums.

Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil said:

"This Government recognises the increasing importance of the private rented sector in the current challenging economic climate.

"That demand is likely to increase because of pressures on the sector due to the UK Governments ill-thought plans for housing benefit and welfare reform.

"I want to support and encourage good, honest landlords who provide much needed high quality accommodation whilst getting tough on the unscrupulous players.

"I am particularly pleased at the consensual view in Parliament that this Bill will meet that aim."

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