As an experienced landlord – and one who’s getting ready for the introduction of the Renter’s Reform Bill in England – I can tell you hand on heart, I have evicted every tenant who I think may become trouble in the future. I also – despite the mammoth demand for properties – purposefully keep my places empty for longer until the AAA+ tenant comes along, with a working, home-owning guarantor.

I cannot afford to take risks. I cannot take any tenant who is not AAA+.

But the major problem that’s now developed in response to this awaited legislation, and which I predict will happen in Scotland, comes down to this: the harder you make it for a landlord, the harder you make it for a tenant.

I understand there is a housing crisis right now – and it is one that was perfectly avoidable. It still is. But the Government likes to flex its muscles, they like to intervene, they like to break markets that were operating perfectly well, because liberal economics is not their style.

The capital flight from the private rental sector started years ago, and has increasingly got worse as soaring demand has been unmet by the ever-dwindling stock. Increased regulation, taxes and higher mortgages paved the way. But the progressively hostile environment made it way worse. 

Plus, it’s easier to get returns elsewhere without the hassle of tenants and government intervention.

Perhaps what is more worrying for tenants living in Scotland, is what will replace the private landlord. Given such policy changes will also likely damage the nascent build-to-rent sector, I wonder who will take the risk of investing in rental property in Scotland?

I can only hope the Scottish Government has got deep pockets, because this latest policy will ensure the tenants they’re trying to protect are more likely to have fewer homes to live in.