The Scottish Government has announced plans to lift rent controls in Scotland next month.
The rent control measures were introduced in 2022 to help people during the cost-of-living-crisis and were due to come to an end in March.
The move follows concerns from the sector - and Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce - that the caps were strangling investment and driving up rents.
However, Ruth Gilbert, national campaigns spokesperson for Living Rent, described the moves as "deeply irresponsible".
The end of rent controls in Scotland could mean a window of new investment would be created, according to Scottish Housing Minister Paul McLennan
He said that "'large scale investment into rental housing of all tenures, which stopped overnight in September 2022, should return."
According to developers, billions of pounds of new housing was halted when rent caps were introduced.
Mr McLennan told The Herald: "Supporting tenants is a priority for the Scottish government and we will continue to engage and work with stakeholders, including tenants’ groups.
"We know that there is a need for longer term action on rents, which is why we are taking forward measures in the Bill to support introduction of longer term rent control where this is needed."