Tenancy tension

One reason there may be unoccupied flats in Edinburgh is the change in the law that protected both tenants and landlords: the demise of Short assured te nancy agreements, and the new presumption in rental agreements that the tenant is in the right, even if rent has not been paid, means some landlords are reluctant to rent vacant properties because they fear difficulty in giving notice to unsuitable tenants – which could last for years while the tenants still do not pay.

If there were safeguards for both, it is less likely that some landlords will opt to rent their properties through Booking.com or Airbnb because, although income is not guaranteed, tenants never stay long. Maybe a new version of the Short Assured Tenancy Agreements should be reinstated with security for both landlords and tenants?

MOLLY EDINS Colinton Road, Edinburgh