At this event we will scrutinise recent reforms to Scotland’s private rented sector (PRS) and discuss good practice in delivering a sustainable system that works for all.

Creating a sustainable rental market for all

One year on from major reforms to Scotland’s private rented sector, the Scottish Association of Landlords has seen a 20% rise in membership as landlords, letting agents and property businesses seek to comply with regulatory changes.

Meanwhile rent has continued to rise for those living in private rental properties, despite local authorities being given the power to introduce ‘rent pressure zones’ (RPZs). As yet no council has utilised these powers – partly due to lack of appropriate data.

Further changes are also on the horizon as the Scottish Government has signalled it will consult on regulatory powers for local authorities in relation to short-term lets in a bid to balance economic benefits with the needs of local communities.

Join Holyrood on 19 February to scrutinise ongoing and future reforms to the sector, and exchange best practice on steps needed to further develop the sector and priorities to ensure it delivers for landlords and tenants alike.

Key issues we will address with you

• What has been learned from recent PRS reform? 
• Mythbusting and enhancing confidence around RPZs to make them work
• Key issues for reforming the short-term letting market
• Future proofing the system to make it work for both landlords and tenants
• Sharing and learning from good practice - what are your colleagues doing to succeed?

Who should attend

• Local authority housing departments
• Landlord organisations
• Letting agents
• Tenant organisations
• Housing lawyers
• Housing charities

Confirmed speakers

• Linda Leslie, Head of Private Rented Sector Policy, The Scottish Government
• John Blackwood, Chief Executive, Scottish Association of Landlords
• Fiona Campbell, Chief Executive, Association of Scotland's Self Caterers
• Thomas Ashdown, Managing Director, Citylets
• Dan Cookson, Independent Housing and Spatial Information Specialist
• Gordon Maloney, Organiser, Living Rent

Agenda*

09:15 Registrations and Refreshments

10:00 Introduction from Chair

Jenni Davidson, Journalist, Holyrood Magazine

10:05  Session 1: Assessing Reforms to the Private Rented Sector

10:05 Reforming the Private Rented Sector - Taking Stock

The last two years have seen major legislative change for the Private Rented Sector.  A new tenancy, a new route of redress for disputes and letting agent regulation have all been introduced.  What has been the impact in this early stage of the new regime?

Linda Leslie, Head of Private Rented Sector Policy, The Scottish Government

10:25 Q&A

10:45   Roundtable Discussions

In this session, we will explore one another’s experiences. We'll give you the opportunity to share your present challenges and thoughts for the future with our expert speakers. 

11:15 Refreshments and Networking

11:40   Session 2: Monitoring Rent Changes and Quality PRS Data

11:40 Exploring the Rise of Short-Stay Through DATA

• Mapping and charting trends in short-stay (Scotland, London, Dublin)
• Exploring what the very latest data tells us about Airbnb in Edinburgh
• Considering scale of displacement from Homes to Short-Stay and potential impact on PRS supply and rent levels

Dan Cookson, Independent Housing and Spatial Information Specialist

12:00 Mid Tenancy Rent Charges - Getting the Data

• Securing data to inform debate on RPZs

​Thomas Ashdown, Managing Director, Citylets

12.20 Q&A

12:40 Lunch and Networking

13:25   Session 3: Next steps for Scotland's Private Rented Sector

​13:25 Beyond Rent Pressure Zones

Gordon Maloney, Organiser, Living Rent

13.45 Q&A

13:55 Long-Term Approach to Short-Term Letting

Fiona Campbell, Chief Executive, Association of Scotland's Self Caterers

14:15 Q&A

14:25 Building a Sustainable Private Rented Sector

John Blackwood, Chief Executive, Scottish Association of Landlords

14:45 Q&A

14:55 Chair's Closing Remarks

Jenni Davidson, Journalist, Holyrood Magazine

15.00 Close of Event

*Agenda subject to change

 

Our events are CPD Certified. This event is equivalent to 3 CPD points.
A certificate is available on request post-event to all attendees.