Lets Talk with Caroline Elgar of Scottish Association of Landlords

March 25, 2026

Scotland’s Private Rented Sector (PRS) continues to evolve following a period of significant legislative change. From proposals around rent controls to new energy efficiency standards and increasing compliance requirements, landlords and letting agents across Scotland are adapting to a complex and shifting regulatory landscape.

In episode 107 of the Citylets podcast, Gillian is joined by Policy Manager, Caroline Elgar from the Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL), the largest dedicated national body representing landlords in Scotland.

Caroline discusses her professional journey from studying Rural Land Management and managing country estates to working in the property and lettings sector before moving into policy at SAL. The conversation also explores the role of SAL in supporting landlords through its advice helpline and member resources, which provide practical guidance on compliance, tenancy management and landlord responsibilities.

Regulation, landlord confidence and the future of Scotland’s PRS

The discussion turns to some of the key policy issues currently affecting the Scottish Private Rented Sector, including rent control areas, rent adjudication processes and proposed minimum energy efficiency standards for rental homes.

Gillian and Caroline also explore findings from recent SAL landlord surveys, including data suggesting that some landlords may be considering reducing their portfolios in the coming years. The episode looks at what factors may be influencing these decisions and what the potential implications could be for housing supply in Scotland’s rental market.

The conversation also touches on possible structural changes within the sector, with data indicating shifts in the number of landlords operating in Scotland alongside changes in property ownership patterns. The financial sustainability of rental property investment and the challenges of attracting new or younger landlords to the sector are also considered.

Finally, Caroline offers insight into the types of enquiries received through the SAL advice helpline and shares some of the unusual situations landlords occasionally encounter.

For landlords, letting agents and housing professionals, this episode provides an opportunity to hear perspectives on the policy landscape currently shaping Scotland’s rental housing sector.

Listen to the podcast in full