20 days until crucial renter protections expire: SNP must act
We have 20 days to protect crucial renters rights, says Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman, who has warned the Scottish Government against ending temporary rent controls secured by the Scottish Greens come to an end on 1st April.
In 2022 the then Green Minister, Patrick Harvie, introduced a temporary cap on most in-tenancy rent increases. Since the end of the cap in March 2024, there has been a temporary rent adjudication system in place, also introduced by Mr Harvie. This potentially allows rent increases to be limited to no higher than 12% if a tenant applies to a rent officer for a decision.
At the time, the Scottish Government said that the rent adjudication system was to support the transition away from the rent cap and to the forthcoming system of Rent Control Areas, and protect tenants from excessively large rent increases which could be experienced if there is a sudden move to open market rent levels that have been suppressed
Ms Chapman said:
“Unless the SNP acts, rogue landlords will be counting down the days until April 1st. The Housing Market is broken. We need more and better regulations if we are to tackle the rising cost of housing, not fewer.
“Landlords already hold far too much power over renters, many of whom are struggling to pay their bills and keep a safe, secure roof over their heads.
“The rental market already leaves far too many renters in insecure housing which can cost them over half their pay cheque. Only the Scottish Greens are standing up for rent controls that actually cut costs and make rents more affordable.”
The end to these protections comes before further discussion of the Housing (Scotland) Bill in the Scottish Parliament. This next stage of the Bill will see crucial elements of tenants’ protections and rent controls discussed and voted on.
Ms Chapman added:
“We are in a housing emergency. We need to act like it. That means ensuring strong and permanent protections that allow renters to make their houses into homes.
“We’ve been listening to renters, and know that they can’t rely on good-natured landlords. This is our opportunity to put power back in people’s hands and guarantee quality, affordable housing. Because homes should be for living in, not for profiteering.”