Student accommodation must be included in rent control measures
Student accommodation must be included in the Scottish Government’s rent control measures, says Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer.
This comes after the Scottish Parliament’s Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee voted to force the Scottish Government to include student tenancies in planned rent controls, a shock defeat for the government.
Mr Greer said:
“Far too many students pay sky high rents for halls and other purpose built accommodation. They deserve the same rights as other renters, and I am glad that MSPs have backed plans to crack down on the accommodation operators ripping off students.
“Students deserve the same protections as other renters. Their halls are their home, but in many cases the costs are simply out of control and what they get for their money is extremely poor.
“Private providers, the likes of UNITE and Student Roost, account for over three quarters of purpose-built student accommodation. Their high rates are leaving many students reliant on food banks.
“Thanks to the Scottish Greens this bill will deliver much needed rent controls and more protections for renters. Our MSPs will continue working with other parties to ensure students get the full benefits of that work and their housing costs are brought back under control.”