Scottish Government failing tenants with watered down rent control proposals
The Scottish Government will fail tenants if they persist with damaging and regressive plans that would water down rent controls and impose above inflation rent hikes, says Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman.
Ms Chapman’s comments follow the publication of the Scottish Parliament’s Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee which welcomed plans for rent controls.
Ms Chapman said:
"All parties have agreed that we are in a housing emergency, but the only way we can tackle it is with real action to bring poorly used properties into use and implement a robust system of rent controls.
“The SNP must not cave-in to the landlord lobby and introduce legislation that would impose above inflation rent hikes. If they do so they will be failing tenants.
“All over our country, there are households and families living in fear and anxiety and worrying about how they will pay their rent. Tenants face housing costs that are far higher than home owners. We must give tenants a better deal.
“If the Scottish Government is serious about tackling child poverty and inequality then it must introduce legislation that will protect tenants and allow meaningful action against exploitative landlords and excessive rents."
Ms Chapman added:
"When the Scottish Greens were in government we used emergency legislation to temporarily freeze rents and protect tenants. This was a vital change, but it also underlined the urgent need for permanent protections and rent controls.
“We must use this legislation to strengthen tenants rights, making housing more affordable for them. That’s why rent controls in the private rented sector are vital. Rent stabilisation won’t protect tenants if it locks them into ever increasing costs.
“We need a system that supports homes for living in, not for profiteering.”