ROGUE landlords should not be able to hike rents on properties that have fallen into disrepair, the Scottish Greens have said.
MSP Maggie Chapman has lodged a series of amendments to the upcoming Housing (Scotland) Bill that would prevent landlords from being able to increase rents if the property does not meet a minimum standard.
This standard would be set by ministers and be based on the quality of the property, repairs and energy efficiency.
The party said the bid would strengthen renters rights.
It comes after we told how hundreds of landlords in Scotland tried to hike rents above levels set by the Government in measures set to protect tenants.
“Everyone deserves a warm, safe and affordable place to call home, but all over Scotland there are rogue landlords trying to rinse renters and maximise their profits while providing sub-par accommodation that people are forced to endure,” Chapman said.
“For far too long, far too many landlords have been able to get away with doing the bare minimum while their tenants are paying the price.
“They have left houses in disrepair and treated renters terribly while hiking up rents and knowing that they can get away with it.
“We need to end the huge power imbalance. We don’t just need stricter regulations, we also need to ensure that landlords are actually following them.”
“Homes must be suitable for living in and quite frankly, far too many are not,” she added.
“I hope that all parties will back my proposals and protect renters across Scotland.”
Chapman has further lodged amendments that would allow local authorities to force owners of derelict properties and land to sell or rent for use as housing. Local authorities would not need to be the purchaser in those cases.
The move is a key ask of homelessness charities such as Shelter, who argue this is essential to improve the housing supply.
Chapman added: “Homes are for living in, but there are landlords sitting on derelict property, sometimes for years and years. This could unlock thousands of homes that are currently sitting empty and help people and families who are struggling.
“Scotland’s housing system is broken and we need big and bold changes like these if we are to live up to the urgency of the moment.”
The Scottish Greens MSP has also lodged amendments that would allow tenants to keep an assistance animal in a property without the consent of the landlord.
The Housing Bill is currently at Stage 2, with MSPs set to debate amendments in the coming months.
We previously told how the Scottish Government was urged to U-turn on allowing protections for tenants to expire.
From April 1, a cap that sent rent rises at 12%, provided the tenant requested adjudication, was no longer in place.
The tenants union Living Rent urged the Scottish Government to keep protections in place, as now any rents set for adjudication will be based on the open market rent.
