Stage 1 debate of the Private Rented Housing (Scotland) Bill

- This Bill is a positive first step towards reforming the PRS, however a more comprehensive package of reforms will be needed to create a professional PRS which meets the needs of all tenants.

- Shelter Scotland broadly supports the changes to Landlord Registration (part 1)

- Shelter Scotland is concerned about linking the planning regime to HMO licensing (part 2)

- Shelter Scotland believes it is important to address overcrowding issues, but has reservations about the measures in the Bill regarding overcrowding (part 3)

- Shelter Scotland is happy with the measures made relating to the tenancy regime (part 4)

- Shelter Scotland believes that there is scope for further reform to: the tenancy regime; regulation of private landlords and the provision of information and advice for tenants.