Letting agent supports Make Renting Right

Umega Lettings have backed our campaign for reform in the private rented sector.

Despite opposition from some landlord's groups and other letting agents, Umega Lettings, based in Edinburgh, says it supports our Make Renting Right campaign which calls for a better private rented sector fit for the 21st Century.

Neil McInnes, Director of Umega Lettings, says:

"We support the Make Renting Right campaign because changes in legislation that prevent exploitation of tenants are a no-brainer. Done right, these changes will help to underpin a much more sustainable and successful private rented sector for both tenants and landlords.

"As a letting agent it would be easy for us to bury our heads in the sand and take up a safe and predictable position around the changes that are coming - but that would be irresponsible.

"Scotland's private rented sector needs joined-up thinking from those representing landlords and tenants. By working together we can ensure that the opportunity to improve private renting for all is not missed."

Make Renting Right aims to raise awareness of and build public support for reforming the outdated private tenancy regime which sees too many households forced from pillar to post on short-term rental agreements.

A chronic shortage of affordable social housing has driven more and more people into Scotland's private rented sector, which is now home to 312,000 families and individuals, with more than 80,000 private lets now housing families with children. However, the sector's outdated tenancy regime is not suited to providing a safe and secure environment for people to put down stable foundations in their communities.

The campaign already has cross-party support with 79 MSPs signing up.

At an event held in Edinburgh to gather support for the campaign, Umega founder Neil McInnes signed up to the Make Renting Right campaign, along with tenants and landlords it manages properties for.

Graeme Brown, Director of Shelter Scotland, says:

"We want to see a private rented sector across Scotland that is fit for families and protects all tenants – a sector that provides long-term homes, not short-term housing. We're pleased that our calls are supported by Umega Lettings and other reputable letting agents and landlords.

"In the 21st century, we need a private rented sector that is modern, stable, flexible, predictable and fair for those individuals and families that call it home.

"The benefits of reform would not just be felt by tenants, however. Landlords too would see a more constant and predictable income with less downtime between rents and a more stable relationships with their tenants."

Graeme Brown added:

"Short-term tenancy agreements do not provide the stability and security that the more than 80,000 families with children living in the private rented sector need in order to live a settled life.

"Too often we hear of people being moved on, evicted or rents increased unreasonably, forcing people into the disruptive cycle of having to move house - every six months in some cases - preventing them from ever being able to put down strong roots and being part of a community."

The Scottish Government recently consulted on proposals to reform tenancies in the private rented sector.

Our key asks for reforming the sector include:

• a modern tenancy agreement that gives both tenants and landlords security

• more stability for people wanting to make rented housing their home

• flexibility for people who want to stay in their rented home to do so for as long as they want

• a fair system for sorting out renting problems when they occur

• predictable rents for tenants and landlords

Have you signed up to the campaign?