SNP urged to withdraw ‘anti-tenant’ plans to weaken rent controls
The Scottish Government has been urged to withdraw its proposed amendments to the forthcoming Housing Bill, which would weaken protections by allowing rents to rise faster than inflation, undermining the purpose of rent controls.
Speaking ahead of a parliamentary debate on the Housing Bill, Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman has lodged an amendment calling for the Scottish Government to withdraw its plans that would water down rent controls and impose above inflation rent hikes.
Ms Chapman said:
“There are few things as important as where we live. Everyone deserves a safe, warm and secure place to call home, yet, all over the country, there are tenants living in fear and anxiety, worrying about how they will pay their rent.
“Far too many households and families across Scotland are being hammered with soaring living costs and rents.
“Our housing market is broken. Rent controls and tenants’ protections are normal elsewhere, and they are fundamental to building a more equal society.
“The Scottish Government’s anti-tenant proposals will not not tackle unaffordability and would not give renters in the private rented sector the security or stability they’ve been promised.
“If the SNP is prepared to show the ambition that is required, we will work with them to deliver a Housing Bill that meaningfully supports households and can help us to tackle child poverty.
“The Scottish Greens will always stand with tenants, not exploitative landlords who are looking to impose above-inflation rent hikes. We can build a fairer and better society where homes are for living in, not for profiteering.”