Greens to introduce rent controls across Scotland within 12 months
The Scottish Greens will work with councils to ensure that rent controls are enforced across the country within 12 months.
Scottish Green MSPs delivered rent control powers for councils as part of the Housing Bill that was originally introduced by former Green Minister Patrick Harvie.
The powers mean that if a council designates part of its area as a rent control zone then private rents cannot increase beyond 1% above inflation or a maximum of 6%.
The Greens will immediately fund every council to do the required assessments and work with them to implement the findings as soon as possible.
Co-leader Gillian Mackay said:
“All over Scotland rents are shooting up at inflation-busting rates, stretching households and families to their limits.
“When our parliament supported rent controls it was an important step in tackling the housing emergency, but those rent controls are only going to help people if councils are implementing them in the first place.
“That’s why we will work with every council to ensure that they get the guidance and funding that they need to use their powers as soon as possible.
“We will put a halt to the eye-watering rent hikes we’re seeing and stop rouge landlords from cashing in on a broken market.
“Homes are for living in and not for profiteering. We will work with councils to drive down the cost of living and end the exploitation of renters.
"The best way to demand better housing and a better deal for renters is to use your peach coloured regional ballot to vote for the Scottish Greens on Thursday."
