Landlord groups lose Judicial Review
A Judicial Review into the decision to introduce a rent freeze and ban on repossessions in the private rented sector has found in favour of the Scottish Government.
The case was raised by NRLA partner organisation the Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL) and was backed by the NRLA, which supported a Crowdfunding campaign to finance the action.
SAL had argued the decision was made without a proper consultation with stakeholders and was therefore unlawful.
However the Court of Session yesterday ruled that the legislation is not unlawful and does not breach landlords’ rights under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The court’s full decision can be read here.
NRLA Chief Executive Ben Beadle said: “We are disappointed with the court’s ruling yesterday.
“The Scottish Government’s rent controls policy is unjust and damaging and has seen rents in Scotland rise more quickly than anywhere else in the country.
“Just this week Edinburgh declared a ‘housing emergency’ with homeless figures at a record highs.
“Ministers now need to recognise the significant damage such policies are having on the provision of homes to rent.”
SAL is hosting an online meeting on Tuesday 21 November 2023 to discuss the outcome in more detail, next steps and what the decision means for members. Members can book a place here.
