SNP urged to publish impact assessment of ending renter protections
The Scottish Government has been urged to publish an impact assessment of its decision to end renter protections that were introduced by the Scottish Greens.
The protections, which are set to expire on April 1st, were introduced by the then Green Minister Patrick Harvie following the year long rent freeze. This mechanism potentially allows rent increases to be limited to no higher than 12% if a tenant applies to a rent officer for a decision.
The Scottish Government had said the system would support the transition away from the rent cap and to the forthcoming system of Rent Control Areas, avoiding a ‘cliff edge’ for renters and protecting them from excessively large increases.
Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman said:
“A lot of renters are very worried about what will happen once these protections expire.
“At a time when costs and bills are already increasing, many are concerned that they will face excessive hikes at a time when they can least afford it. Meanwhile the landlord lobby will be rubbing their hands together with glee at the thought of hiking prices even further.
“These changes are unjust, unfair and will only result in people paying even more to keep a roof over their heads.
“The Scottish Government must have done research and modelling about the impact that its decision will have. It is time for them to publish it so that it can be scrutinised and so that renters know where they stand before they are thrown to the mercy of a broken housing market.”
Ms Chapman added:
“These measures have helped tenants, but they have also underlined the urgent need for permanent and robust rent controls and protections for renters on the frontline of the housing emergency.
“Homes are for living in, not for profiteering, and we need a fundamental change to ensure that everyone has a warm, comfortable and affordable place to call home.”