"Earlier this month the government published an open consultation, ‘Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes’, as it looks to raise energy efficiency standards in the private rented sector (PRS)."

"The Renters’ Rights Bill (RRB), although not yet finalised, is expected to pass into law by the summer. "

"The recent statement by Housing Minister Paul McLennan to the Scottish Parliament on the government’s approach to Stage 2 of the Housing Bill has significant implications for landlords. "

"In the 2023 Autumn Statement the Government announced an end to a four-year freeze in rates for Local Housing Allowance (LHA), the maximum amount people renting from a private landlord can claim in Housing Benefit or Universal Credit."

"Revision of minimum energy efficiency standard (MEES) regulations by the Government and the delay in implementation should not be seen by landlords as a reason to sit back and wait. "

"A triple whammy of financial and regulatory pressures will drive a wedge between smaller, more indebted landlords and larger investors with less exposure to mortgage debt, who are better placed to capitalise on future rental growth"