Plans to improve the standard of private rented housing in Scotland were unveiled today.

The Scottish Government is consulting about the proposed Private Housing (Scotland) Bill.

Views are being sought about the private rented sector, licensing of mobile homes and twenty year residential lease and standard security rules.

Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil said: "This Government is committed to encouraging a thriving private rented sector, which provides good quality and well managed accommodation.

"Although the private rented sector makes up a small proportion of all housing in Scotland, it is an important part of the market.

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"In some areas private renting provides a significant amount of permanent housing, elsewhere it is a vital short-term solution for people at various stages in their lives.

"This Bill proposes changes that will lead to landlords and tenants having a better understanding of their rights and responsibilities. It aims to improve standards and crucially, deliver a better deal for tenants and landlords."

Professor Douglas Robertson, Chair of the Private Rented Sector Strategy Group said: "These proposals, drawing on a comprehensive review of the private rented sector - the largest of its kind ever undertaken in Scotland - and discussed at length by the Scottish Private Rented Sector Strategy Group, will help in creating better informed consumers and providers.

"This is seen to be the best means to ensure a better functioning rental market, where everyone knows their rights and expectations.

"Supporting this ambition the proposed reforms focus on further refining the landlord registration system, refining the licensing of homes in multiple occupancy, tackling specific overcrowding issues and making improvements to the existing tenancy regime."

(GK)