Over half of private landlords in Scotland are at least considering selling up as a result of new red tape, research shows. 

According to a survey by the Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL), some 53% of landlords are now considering reducing the size of their portfolios – almost four out of five of them say their decision is driven by hostility from the Scottish government and politicians.

Proposed rent controls and stricter limits on evictions are being enshrined in legislation now under scrutiny in the Scottish Parliament. 

SAL says it will continue to engage proactively with the Scottish government, MSPs, and MPs to create a sustainable future for landlords north of the border, and chief executive John Blackwood comments: “Sustained political hostility towards landlords in Scotland has created an environment in which many are now considering the size of their portfolios, or even whether to remain in the sector at all.

“The housing emergency will not be solved by damaging rent controls or limiting the ability of landlords to provide high quality, flexible housing in other ways.

“SAL is committed to working with all political stakeholders, especially those in government, to create a fair, sustainable, and flexible PRS that is there for generations to come.”