Scale of future challenges facing social landlords unprecedented, says Regulator

The scale of the challenges facing landlords is unprecedented and most landlords are or will incur significant new costs at a time when tenants are dealing with real financial pressure. These were the main messages from the Scottish Housing Regulator at today’s Scottish Federation of Housing Association’s annual finance conference.

The Regulator’s speech 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.”