MSPs open scrutiny of Housing Tenancies Bill with call for views

The bill to transform the private rented sector in Scotland is the subject of the latest call for evidence from a committee of MSPs.

Holyrood's Infrastructure & Capital Investment Committee has issued an invitation for views as it begins its scrutiny of the Scottish Government's Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Bill.

The bill would replace the short assured tenancy and assured tenancy with a new single tenancy for the private rented sector which the Scottish Government considers will improve security of tenure for tenants and provide appropriate safeguards for landlords, lenders and investors. It will not be a fixed term let and a new set of grounds for repossession by landlords will be prescribed.

It also intends to provide tenants with protection against excessive rent increases, with ministers being able to introduce caps on rises for sitting tenants in rent pressure zones.

The committee's call for evidence includes a link to an online survey through which people can indicate their views by checking a series of boxes. However more detailed written submissions are also welcome.

Committee convener Jim Eadie MSP commented: “The issue of housing has been the subject of much political debate in recent times. Whether it is the provision of affordable housing or protection for tenants, these are issues that affect individuals, families and communities right across Scotland.

“The Scottish Government’s two consultations in advance of the bill have allowed it to propose legislation that it believes can deliver improvements in the private rented housing sector. It is now the job of the committee to scrutinise the proposed legislation, taking into account the views of those who would be affected and those with an interest in this area.

“We look forward to receiving written evidence from all interested individuals and organisations and to considering whether this bill will deliver the aims the Scottish Government has for it.”

Click here to view the call for evidence. The deadline for responses is 19 November 2015. The committee expects to take oral evidence between October and December before reporting on the bill’s general principles in early to mid-January 2016.