Scotland's rental housing market is "completely unsustainable" in light of the cost of living crisis, MSPs have been told.
Aaron Hill, from the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations , expressed concern that if a rent freeze was extended beyond 31 March it would be ineffective and prevent long-term solutions from being pursued. Ms Thomas said: "With rent being a vital source of income for our members, it would result in housing associations being forced to cut back on vital support services for tenants, the development of new homes, improvements to existing stock and the pursuit of net zero targets."Scottish Association of Landlords chief executive John Blackwood told the committee the bill was not proportionate as his members were also affected by the cost of living crisis.
But Scottish Conservative housing spokesman Miles Briggs said the government's plan would do little to increase the incomes of most social or private tenants. He added: "Those homes are already subject to rent controls, so I don't think it would be right to impose another set of controls with a freeze."