Rent controls: No exemptions for build-to-rent
There is no justification for exempting build-to-rent housing from Scotland’s incoming rent control system, say the Scottish Greens.
Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman is tabling amendments to stop these exemptions, which were announced last week by the Cabinet Secretary for Housing.
Maggie said:
“A lot of build-to-rent developments are already very expensive and are designed to be that way. They do not sit well with the desire for mixed communities and are no substitute for affordable housing.
“All renters deserve protection and stability, not only those who live in certain types of homes. There is absolutely no justification for creating a two tier system like this, which will create confusion for tenants who will not know if they are covered by rent controls or not.
“It’s no wonder the landlord lobby has welcomed the announcement, but their interest has never been about the wellbeing of tenants.
“We have the opportunity to start fixing a broken housing market that is punishing people all over Scotland. We must not water down or dilute our ambitions by building in loopholes, exemptions and handouts for big developers.
“I hope that the Scottish Government will reconsider, and that they will apply one consistent rule to all rather than caving-in to the same vested interests who have been profiting at the expense of renters for far too long.”