Rented sector reform: landlord and tenant engagement questionnaire - analysis of email responses

Other issues raised

Equalities: It was reported that members of the LGBTI+ community disproportionately live in rented accommodation and, as a result, are disproportionately affected by issues such as high and ever-increasing rents, poor quality of housing, and the uncertainty and instability of tenancy. Given the heightened risks that LGBTI+ people face, it was seen as imperative that measures are enacted to protect the community.

Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA): In connection with PBSA, it was noted that the ‘A New Deal for Tenants: Draft Rented Sector Strategy’ consultation sought views on whether students living in PBSA should be offered similar rights to students who rent from a private landlord and have a PRT. There was a concern that no certainty has been provided that PBSA will continue to be exempted from the PRT (as is currently the case). Reasons given for supporting a continued exemption included that there is a significant undersupply of student accommodation and that introducing extra controls, including rent controls, will discourage additional PBSA development in Scotland as operators will seek locations elsewhere where there are fewer restrictions.