THE Rent Freeze Bill has been published and outlines the Government’s aims to better protect tenants in response to the cost-of-living crisis.
The bill aims to restrict landlords from raising rents at all – with exceptions – until March 2023 and also puts a ban on evictions for the same period.
Rents will be frozen unless landlords are experiencing “increased property costs” such as increased mortgage interest or service charges, the bill confirms.
Landlords will be able to evict tenants, if the new plans pass, only if they can prove they are suffering from financial hardship.
Rent can still be increased between tenancies under the new proposals, with the policy notes attached to the bill saying the rent freeze “protects tenants, helping them to stay in their homes during the cost crisis, whilst responding to the need to ensure that the measures are proportionate”.
The cap on rent increases will “initially” be set at 0% - meaning no rises will be permissible in the short-term, if the bill passes.
MSPs will decide tomorrow whether to treat the bill as emergency legislation – as planned by the Government – which would mean it can be fast-tracked into law to come into force as soon as possible.
The bill was introduced on Monday by Housing Secretary Shona Robison and it is likely to be passed because it enjoys support from the SNP, Greens and Labour.
Ariane Burgess, the Scottish Greens’ housing spokesperson, said: “This will be a crucial week for tenants all across Scotland.
“We are living through the worst cost crisis for generations, with inflation soaring and bills skyrocketing.
“One of the biggest expenses people have is housing, which is why this emergency legislation is so important. It provides immediate support to tenants at the sharp end of the crisis this winter.
"This approach stands in stark contrast to the cruelty and incompetence of the UK Government and its so-called mini-budget, which was a multi-billion pound giveaway to the bankers, the polluters and the super wealthy.
“Over the course of this parliamentary term we will be introducing the biggest expansion of tenants rights since devolution, including better rights and protections and rent controls.
"This was a core part of the partnership agreement between the Scottish Greens and the Scottish Government. That vital work continues.
“No home can be left behind if we are to build a recovery that works for people and communities.
“With the powers of an independent country, Scotland could do so much more to tackle the cost crisis head on. But today’s Bill shows that with the Scottish Greens working constructively in government, we are leading the way once again.”
