Helen Shaw

The Regulator’s speech at yesterday’s Scottish Federation of Housing Association’s annual finance conference comes after it published its annual analysis of RSL loan portfolio returns which highlights that total investment through borrowing is now £6.55 billion, and interest rates are at their highest level in 14 years and are forecast to rise further.

Speaking at the conference in Crieff, Helen Shaw, the Regulator’s director of regulation said: “We are living in a very dynamic and volatile world. Our analysis shows that most RSLs have generally been delivering a robust financial performance which is backed by strong liquidity.

“But, the scale of the current and future challenges are unprecedented. Most landlords are facing uncertain and significant new costs at a time when their tenants are dealing with real financial pressure. Landlords will need to continue to have a meaningful and effective dialogue with their tenants about what is important to them and what they want and can afford to pay.”

On the emergency rent freeze legislation passed last month, Ms Shaw added: “We still don’t have certainty about what will happen beyond March 2023, although Scottish Ministers must advise landlords of what the position will be no later than 14 January.”

Read Helen’s full speech here.