Graham Simpson MSP says rogue property letting agents are breaking a new law and getting away with it.
Now the Central Scotland representative has called for a crackdown on crooked agents who pocket tenant deposits and fail to pass on rent to landlords.
Mr Simpson warned of industry “sharks” who are withholding rent from some landlords, even when enforcement orders are issued against the agents who manage properties for them.
Complaints about agents are dealt with by the First Tier Tribunal who rule on disputes in the private housing sector.
But one Lanarkshire businessman, who says he’s owed £6500 by a letting agent, branded the complaints system useless.
After 12 years as a landlord renting property, he’s now thinking of selling his flats, saying “the system stinks”.
He added: “The letting agent I used owes me months of rent for four flats.
“I had to repay tenants when they moved on because he hadn’t lodged their deposits with the national deposit scheme.
“In my view a letting agent who takes money from tenants and landlords in this way should be prosecuted for theft or fraud.
“I see no point in the tribunal procedure because it doesn’t seem to change anything.
“Letting agents don’t attend hearings and don’t pay up when rulings are made against them.”
Graham Simpson said rogue agents not prosecuted for fraud should at least face charges for failing to comply with tribunal enforcement orders.
Raising the issue in the Scottish Parliament after getting “numerous” complaints about letting agents and property factors, he called it “absurd” that letting agents could break the law and get away with it.
He added: “People need to start taking this seriously.
“I have raised this issue with housing minister, Kevin Stewart, and intend to write to him again as well as the Justice Secretary, Humza Yousaf.
“Too many people’s lives are being made a misery.”
