Housing (Scotland) Bill: business and regulatory impact assessment summary

Competition Assessment

Will the measures directly or indirectly limit the number or range of suppliers?

Rented sector reform measures – some impacts are possible in relation to the PRS, but these have been mitigated in the legislation where possible.

The introduction of rent controls where a rent control area is designated would limit private landlords’ ability to increase rents. Some stakeholders raised concern that this could also lead to a reduction in the overall supply of rented accommodation, should landlords choose to leave the sector, which could increase rents across Scotland in the long term. To mitigate such concerns, the proposed rent control framework contains significant flexibilities and any decision to apply rent control will need to consider the proportionality of imposing control on the use of a landlords property.

In relation to other measures in the Bill which apply to the PRS, these have also been designed to mitigate adverse impacts on landlords. The Scottish Government’s view is that the proposed package of reforms in the PRS will not materially limit the number or range of private landlords.

All other measures in the Bill including Homelessness prevention and Mobile homes are not expected to directly or indirectly limit the number or range of suppliers.

Will the measures limit the ability of suppliers to compete?

No. All measures within the Bill including rented sector reform, homelessness prevention, and mobile homes are not expected to limit the ability of suppliers to compete.

Will the measures limit suppliers’ incentives to compete vigorously?

No. All measures within the Bill including rented sector reform, homelessness prevention, and mobile homes are not expected to limit suppliers' incentives to compete vigorously.

Will the measures limit the choices and information available to consumers?

No. All measures within the Bill including rented sector reform, homelessness prevention, and mobile homes are not expected to limit the choices and information available to consumers.