A leading private rented sector figure has called on both the Scottish and English governments to embrace landlords as part of the solution to problem within both countries housing markets.

John Blackwood (main image, inset), Chief Executive of the Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL) says that while he recognises the need for reforms within the sector, both governments’ ‘anti-sector policies’ in recent years have created an adversarial atmosphere between landlords and politicians.

Writing in The Herald newspaper, Blackwood says that the “working relationship between government and landlords has, regrettably, become frosty thanks to these anti-industry policies, increasingly sour climate, and ideological mistrust. This must change”.

Leaving

Blackwood claims this has directly affected business confidence and that landlords are leaving the sector and taking their properties from the rental sector with them.

“It’s also causing a significant drop in investment, with its corresponding drag effect on the housing supply and the inevitable impact on rents,” he says.

“It's time for a reset. Politicians, at Westminster, Holyrood, and at a local level need to embrace landlords in the private rented sector as part of the solution to Scotland’s housing challenges. “Making it unaffordable to be a professional landlord, as recent proposed measures will surely do, will only exacerbate the difficulties faced by both government and the sector.

“SAL, and our English and Welsh colleagues at the NRLA, are the experts in private rentals.

“We implore our governments to consider us as partners, not opponents, and commit to meeting with us, discussing with us, and working with us to prioritise the health and vibrancy of our sector, for the good of all involved.”