FOREWORD
The Scottish Government recognises the role that the private rented sector can play in building sustainable communities. In Firm Foundations we outlined our intention to set the sector an agenda that would encourage it to flourish, and in our Review of the Private Rented Sector we identified the issues that need to be addressed. I want to see the private rented sector in Scotland prosper and provide high quality, well managed housing which offers choice and flexibility to a range of different tenants with varied housing needs.
I established a group of expert stakeholders to advise me on developing policy for the sector, in order to take forward the conclusions of our Review. The first task of the Scottish Private Rented Sector Strategy Group was to make recommendations on possible changes requiring primary legislation. The Group agreed on its Consultation Recommendations Report in December and I agreed to consult on its proposals for inclusion in a potential private housing bill. These proposals include a number of suggested improvements to both landlord registration and the houses in multiple occupation licensing regime. In addition, there are proposed changes to the tenancy regime and greater powers to tackle overcrowding.
These proposals build on the improvements we have included in the current Housing (Scotland) Bill and I believe they would be a further step towards a stronger private rented sector. I have asked the Strategy Group to continue its work, gather information and make further recommendations on how we can develop our policies in this area.
In relation to the licensing of mobile home sites, I announced in October last year that we would consult on more effective powers for councils, with the aim of improving standards for the consumer. A stakeholder group will be formed to discuss a wide range of issues affecting residents of mobile home sites. Many of these issues will not require consideration of primary legislation. However, examination of the licensing regime for mobile home sites does. For this reason, I'm keen to hear your views on this issue as part of the consultation.
I would also like to examine whether the time is right to make limited changes to the 20 year rules on residential leases and standard securities, as set out in the Land Tenure Reform (Scotland) Act 1974. I am keen to explore new ways of delivering affordable housing which offer good value for taxpayers' money, but it has been suggested that these rules may be acting as barriers to organisations wishing to deliver innovative projects to provide affordable and other types of housing.
I'd very much welcome your views on the proposals set out in this consultation document and invite you to submit a response.
Alex Neil MSP
Minister for Housing and Communities