I am pleased to be here to present three affirmative instruments that support the introduction of the new private residential tenancy. The “UK Housing Review 2017”, which was published by the Chartered Institute of Housing, acknowledges Scotland’s flagship housing policy. The report says:
“The Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 marks the most significant reform of private renting in more than a quarter of a century ... New PRS tenancies will be open-ended and significantly more secure through the virtual ending of ‘no fault’ evictions”.
In line with the core principles of the act, our new tenancies will improve security, stability and predictability for tenants, and provide appropriate safeguards for landlords, lenders and investors.
I will touch briefly on the content of each instrument that is before the committee. First, in the Private Residential Tenancies (Statutory Terms) (Scotland) Regulations 2017, we prescribe the statutory terms that must apply to all new private residential tenancies. The terms in the schedule cover matters such as “rent receipts”, “rent increases”, “notification about other residents”, “subletting” and “access for repairs”. All those terms mirror those contained in schedule 2 to the 2016 act and have therefore been previously approved by the Scottish Parliament, except for paragraph 9 of the schedule, which is an addition. That paragraph, which covers termination, makes it clear that a
“tenancy may not be brought to an end except ... in accordance with Part 5 of the Act.”
Secondly, in the Private Residential Tenancies (Information for Tenants) (Scotland) Regulations 2017, we prescribe the information that a landlord must give to a tenant at the beginning of a new private residential tenancy.
Where a landlord chooses to use the model private residential tenancy agreement, a tenant must be provided with accompanying easy-read notes. If the written terms of the tenancy are drafted by the landlord, the landlord must supply alternative accessible notes called “private residential tenancy statutory terms supporting notes”.
Thirdly, the Private Housing Tenancies (Scotland) Act 2016 (Consequential Provisions) Regulations 2017 is a routine, technical instrument, which amends various primary and secondary legislation in consequence of the 2016 act.
That is a brief overview of the regulations. I am happy to answer any questions that the committee may have.