Some form of rent control is already in place in Scotland as the Government introduced a rent freeze and eviction ban in September 2022 and limited rent increases within tenancies to 3% by 31 March next year.

The announcement was made by Scotland's First Minister, Humza Yousaf, alongside a commitment to invest £750m in new affordable housing, with 10 per cent of this going to rural and island communities.

He said the cost of living crisis in Westminster was already putting tenants in a difficult position and a market that could not support demand was making this even more difficult.

The Scottish Government will continue to work with key stakeholders in landlord and tenant groups to develop solutions to this crisis that are tailored to Scotland's unique needs.

During the cost of living crisis, this Government acted swiftly to introduce an emergency rent cap for the majority of private tenants and more protection against eviction.

"We have now put in place legislation to ensure these measures remain in place until 31 March next year."

The Scottish Government aims to build 110,000 affordable homes by 2032.

Yusuf, who has pledged £60 million to buy up empty properties and convert them into affordable housing, also told Scottish MPs that the Scottish Government would also authorise councils to increase council tax on second homes.

John Blackwood, chief executive of the Scottish Landlords Association, said: "The biggest single issue facing all housing sectors in Scotland is under-supply, so the focus must be on investing in more social housing as well as encouraging investment in new-build and private rented homes.

Any proposal to introduce rent control must be done in partnership with all sectors of the housing industry, as well as tenant representatives, to ensure that the final proposal is balanced. Balanced.

"This measure should also be seen as a solution to a short-term problem until the longer-term measures needed to address Scotland's housing crisis are implemented and proven to be effective."