Landlords are being encouraged to contribute to a crowdfunding campaign to take legal action regarding rent caps and eviction bans.

It follows a decision by the Scottish Government to develop a rent freeze and ban on repossessions in the private rented sector – and according to the National Residential Landlords Association this was without a proper consultation with stakeholders.

Now a campaign, led by a coalition of private rental sector groups, wants a judicial review of the Scottish Government’s policies. 

The campaign group includes the Scottish Association of Landlords, the NRLA, Propertymark, and Scottish Land and Estates.

They are seeking to prevent the measures being extended beyond the legal cut-off date of September 20 this year.

NRLA chief executive Ben Beadle says: “Renters across Scotland are being hit by policies which undermine the supply of the very homes they need.  It is deeply worrying that such damaging and short-sighted policies can be developed without proper consultation with stakeholders.

“I urge all those wanting sensible policy that works for both renters and responsible landlords to support the campaign.”

And John Blackwood, chief executive of the Scottish Association of Landlords, adds: “Our job is to stand up for our members and to represent their views.“Over the years we have been able to do that in a constructive manner with the Scottish Government and, as a result, have secured changes which have improved the private rented sector in Scotland.

“However, arbitrary rent freezes and eviction bans discriminate against private landlords, reduce investment and harm both landlords and tenants, while making it harder to solve Scotland’s housing crisis.

“With pressure being placed on landlords by governments throughout the UK, now more than ever, landlords all over the country need to work together in ensuring our voice is heard.”

The NRLA says any landlord wishing to contribute can do so here.