Rent hikes show need for rent controls
The fact landlords increased rents during the Coronavirus pandemic shows the need for rent controls, the Scottish Greens have said.
New statistics on the private rented sector show the cost of renting a two-bedroom flat increased above inflation in 10 of the 18 rental markets areas across Scotland, showing that reduced demand did not deter landlords from putting prices up.
A national system of rent controls is set to be delivered, as a key part of the Scottish Greens deal with the Scottish Government as part of several measures to enhance tenants’ rights.
Responding to the latest data, Scottish Greens housing spokesperson Ariane Burgess said: “It is astonishing that rents continued to rise in the midst of a pandemic, when demand was low and people were struggling with reduced income. In most parts of Scotland, those rises were above inflation.
“If landlords won’t lower rents in these conditions, when will they? These figures show that we cannot leave something as fundamental as people’s homes to market forces. That’s why I’m proud the Scottish Greens will bring rent controls back to Scotland."