Scottish Association of Landlords chief executive John Blackwood has urged the country’s private landlords to voice their concerns in the upcoming Westminster election.

In a letter printed in the Daily Mail, Mr Blackwood highlights proposals for more legislation in the sector which he said could potentially restrict choice in the market.

The letter follows new research which claimed that the Scottish private rented sector will see an exodus of landlords as a result of the removal of no fault grounds for repossession and the spectre of rent controls in city hotspots.

The letter in full reads:

Dear Editor

With polling day less than a week away the debate has already focussed heavily on private rented housing in England, but what about Scotland?

Housing policy is already devolved to the Scottish Parliament and many voters in Scotland might not be aware that the Scottish Government has already announced plans to introduce legislation this autumn. This could include potentially removing the right of a landlord to end a lease when they choose, even after sufficient notice is given, as well as imposing rent caps on what landlords can charge, potentially restricting choice in the market.

With this debate set to run well into 2016, landlords throughout Scotland need make their voices heard.