Scotland’s government has passed a bill that will ensure increased protection for tenants during the cost of living crisis.
As reported on Tuesday, the Scottish Parliament was presented with legislation that would help make sure that both private and social tenants were protected from rent increases and eviction action, over an extended period of time.
Ministers will be given temporary power to cap rents in the private and social rented sector, including student accommodation, as well as including a moratorium on evictions.
The cap has been initially set at 0% from the 6th September until at least 31st March 2023, however Ministers will be able to vary the rent cap while it is in place. This power can also be extended over two further six-months periods.
Tenants’ Rights Minister Patrick Harvie, said:
“I am pleased that Parliament has passed this Bill to support tenants through the current cost of living crisis. People who rent their home are more likely to live in poverty or be on low incomes than other people, and many will be anxious about keeping up payments on their homes as their everyday expenses rise.
“With this bill now set to become law, tenants in the social or private rented sector, or in student accommodation, will have stability in their homes and housing costs.
“I’m hugely grateful to MSSPs for scrutinising and agreeing this legislation this week, ensuring these protections can be brought in with the urgency that this crisis demands.”
Evictions that result from the cost off living crisis have been prevented over the same period, unless meeting specified requirements, as well as the amount of damages available for unlawful evictions being increased to a maximum of 36 months’ worth of rent.
The legislation has been introduced with a balance of protection tenants, as well as safeguarding landlords who may also be impacted by the cost of living crisis.
