The Scottish Conservatives have criticised the Scottish government’s approach to addressing homelessness, highlighting ongoing challenges that affect thousands of households, including many children living in temporary accommodation. This issue is particularly relevant for landlords and letting agents as it intersects with housing availability, rent controls, and the role of the private rented sector in alleviating housing pressures.

Overview of the Scottish Government’s Homelessness Report

The Scottish government recently published its annual Ending Homelessness report, which reviews progress made over the past year in tackling homelessness across Scotland. The report outlines legislative and financial measures aimed at improving housing outcomes, including the introduction of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025. This Act empowers ministers to implement long-term rent controls and strengthens protections against unlawful eviction.

According to the report, the Act will introduce a system of rent stabilisation and impose stricter penalties for wrongful eviction. It also mandates that courts and the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) consider delaying eviction enforcement in most cases, aiming to reduce the adverse effects on tenants. Additionally, the government has allocated £4 million towards homelessness prevention pilots and £30.5 million in funding to local authorities for homelessness prevention efforts in 2025-26.

Scottish Conservatives Highlight Persistent Challenges

Despite these measures, the Scottish Conservatives argue that the government’s efforts have not sufficiently addressed the homelessness crisis. Shadow housing secretary Meghan Gallacher MSP emphasised that record numbers of households remain in temporary accommodation, with over 10,000 children growing up without permanent homes. She criticised the SNP’s focus on rent control policies, suggesting these could exacerbate the housing emergency rather than resolve it.

Gallacher stated, “It is disgraceful that more than 10,000 children are growing up without the security of a permanent home, while councils are left struggling under savage SNP cuts to housing and local budgets.” She urged the government to prioritise the delivery of new homes and frontline support services over rent control measures.

Role of Landlords and the Private Rented Sector

The Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL) has underlined the importance of the private rented sector in preventing homelessness. SAL chief executive John Blackwood noted that landlords are integral to alleviating housing pressures but expressed concern that some are considering reducing their portfolios or leaving the sector due to political attitudes and policy decisions.

Blackwood said, “To allow the private rented sector to continue to play its part in resolving homelessness, politicians should focus on encouraging investment so that more homes become available for people who find themselves in such difficult circumstances.” This highlights the need for policies that support landlords and encourage investment in rental properties, which is crucial for expanding housing options for vulnerable households.

Implications for Landlords and Letting Agents

For landlords and letting agents, the developments in Scottish housing policy and the ongoing homelessness crisis have several implications. The introduction of long-term rent controls could affect rental income and portfolio management strategies. Meanwhile, increased protections against eviction may require landlords to navigate more complex legal processes when addressing tenancy issues.

At the same time, the government’s investment in homelessness prevention and local authority funding signals a continued focus on supporting vulnerable tenants, which may increase demand for private rented accommodation. Landlords who engage constructively with these policies and maintain good tenant relationships could play a vital role in mitigating homelessness and benefiting from a more stable rental market.

Looking Ahead: Support for Landlords and Service Providers

In response to the evolving housing landscape, the Landlord Association (TLA) is launching a new Trusted Partners Hub in Q1 2026. This initiative will feature verified and approved service providers selected to support landlords, tenants, and property management businesses. Legal, trades, insurance, financial, mortgage, tenant screening, and other service providers are invited to register their interest to join the Hub, which aims to enhance the resources available to landlords navigating these challenges.

More information about becoming a TLA service partner is available at: landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/.