Private Renting in Scotland: Rent Pressure Zones and Short-Term Lets
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.
Venue
Whitespace, Norloch House, 36 King's Stables Road, Edinburgh EH1 2EU | Map
Costs
Delegate rates (excluding VAT):
- Reduced rate: 1 place £145 + VATpp (Voluntary / charitable organisations with an annual income of less than £1m)
- Standard rate: 1 place £245 + VATpp | 2+ places £195 + VATpp (Central government departments and agencies, local authorities, universities, colleges, NHS, police, housing associations, professional associations and voluntary / charitable organisations with an annual income over £1m)
- Private Sector rate: 1 place £295 + VATpp | 2+ places £245 + VATpp (Commercial organisations e.g. plc, Ltd, LLP)
For more information please email enquiries@holyrood.com or phone 0131 285 1635