Lets Talk with Timothy Douglas

June 10, 2026

The Scottish private rented sector continues to face significant political, legislative and operational change, with growing debate around housing supply, affordability, taxation and regulation. In episode 110 of Lets Talk, Timothy Douglas, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Propertymark, returns to discuss some of the biggest issues currently affecting landlords, letting agents and tenants across Scotland.

Fresh from a recent visit to Downing Street following the passing of the Renters’ Rights Act, Timothy shares his thoughts on the wider direction of housing policy and the implications for the private rented sector across the UK. One area explored in the episode is the cross-border impact of the legislation, including upcoming changes affecting discrimination rules linked to benefits claimants and families with children.

The podcast also examines whether policymakers fully understand the role landlords and letting agents play within the wider housing system, particularly during a period of increasing demand and ongoing supply shortages. With Scotland having already introduced significant rental reforms in recent years, the conversation considers what further housing policy intervention could look like over the next parliamentary term.

Housing Supply, Investment and Awaab’s Law

Housing supply remains a major focus throughout the episode, including concerns around whether Scotland risks missing long-term housing targets without stronger support for investment and development. Timothy also discusses Propertymark’s concerns regarding taxation changes, including the Additional Dwelling Supplement, and whether increasing costs could discourage smaller investors from remaining in the sector.

The episode further explores the freeze on Local Housing Allowance rates and the wider pressures this may be placing on tenants and affordability across the rental market. Proposed measures such as the Building Safety Levy are also discussed in the context of development viability and housing delivery.

Attention then turns to Awaab’s Law and the practical implications for letting agents and property managers ahead of its introduction in October 2026. The conversation covers operational requirements including investigations, repair deadlines, written summaries, contractor access and audit trails, alongside the challenges many agents may face in preparing for compliance.

Finally, Timothy reflects on Propertymark’s growing Scottish membership numbers and whether increasing regulation is fundamentally changing the role of letting agents within the modern private rented sector.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Timothy Douglas’ insights on the future direction of Scotland’s rental market and the challenges likely to shape the sector in the years ahead.