Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by PropertyWire. Read the original article for full details.

Scottish Landlords Facing Up to 12-Month Tribunal Delays

Landlords in Scotland are experiencing waits of up to 12 months to regain possession of their properties through the housing tribunal system, according to legal practitioners. Law firm Aberdein Considine reports that landlords are typically waiting between eight and 12 months from submitting an eviction application to receiving a tribunal hearing, with legal costs reaching approximately £10,000 before cases conclude.

Legal professionals have highlighted the financial strain these delays are placing on property owners. Landlords must continue to cover mortgage payments, insurance, maintenance costs, and legal fees during the waiting period, often without receiving rental income. Aberdein Considine cited a case involving a two-bedroom flat in Glasgow where the landlord spent months attempting to recover possession, despite the tenant having already secured alternative council accommodation.

The Scottish Association of Landlords has reported that tribunal delays have increased substantially since 2019. Chief Executive John Blackwood stated that the average time from application to decision now exceeds eight months, compared to three months in 2019. Blackwood noted that delays in eviction notices can impact landlords’ businesses and affect the supply of rented property available at any one time. He called on the Scottish Government to work with landlords and tenants to expedite the process.

Evictions without specified grounds have been prohibited in Scotland since 2017. The report notes that the situation in Scotland may indicate potential challenges for England’s rental market, following the ban on Section 21 notices in May. The reduction in landlords operating in the sector could further constrain rental property supply at a time of high demand. The Scottish Government has not yet responded to calls for tribunal process reforms.