THE Scottish Government has been urged to reinstate tenant protections that have now expired.
From April 1, legislation that stopped landlords from hiking monthly prices above 12% provided they were sent for adjudication, are no longer in place.
We told how despite the cap, hundreds of landlords attempted to raise rents above this threshold. In one extreme case, a landlord made a bid to increase rent for one tenant in Falkirk by 121%.
This has raised fears tenants could face sky-rocketing prices in the coming months.
The upcoming Housing Bill, which is currently making its way through the Scottish Parliament, does contain provisions for rent controls, but would only come into force in 2027.
Tenants union Living Rent and the Scottish Greens have been urging ministers to extend the protections beyond April 1.
However, the Scottish Government insisted tenants will still have the right to review, but rates could be set in line with open market prices.
The protections were introduced following the rent freeze and subsequent cap by the party’s co-leader Patrick Harvie, while he was serving as tenants minister.
Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman said: “From this morning, renters all over Scotland will be getting notices from their landlords hiking up their rents with little notice or chance to appeal.
“It will be a dark day for renters, but rogue landlords will be celebrating in the knowledge that they are no longer being constrained.
“It doesn’t need to be like this. The Scottish Government can stop it. The support that the Scottish Greens secured can be extended, offering renters protections from the most predatory landlords.
“All parties agree that we are in a housing emergency. The last thing we should be doing is allowing rents to be increased without limit.”
Research from Living Rent found that on average tenants rent increases were limited to 9% while the measures were in place.
The Scottish Government’s plans for rent controls would set prices at the rate of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), a measure of inflation, plus 1%, up to a maximum increase of 6%.
Chapman (above) added: “We need a robust and permanent system of rent controls that can support renters and offer protection and stability. I hope that the upcoming Housing Bill will deliver on that and will help us to repair a broken housing market.
“Homes are for living in, not for profiteering. We need fundamental change if we are to ensure everyone has a warm, comfortable and affordable place to call home.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Scotland provides renters with some of the strongest protections anywhere in the UK.
"From 1 April, protections continue to be in place against rent increases above market rent for most private tenants and we would encourage tenants to make use of their right to a review of a rent increase.
“We know that there is a need for longer term action on rents to ensure a fairer system for tenants – that is why we are taking forward measures in the Housing Bill to support the introduction of longer-term rent control where this is needed.”
