Nicola Sturgeon’s lauded rent-freeze policy has been branded “meaningless” after her government’s industry watchdog encouraged landlords to hike prices the day it ends.
The FM was praised in September for implementing a six-month ban on property owners demanding higher payments from tenants battling the cost-of-living crisis. But we can reveal that the Scottish Housing Regulator (SHR) has told 32 councils and 150 housing associations to plan rent rises for the moment they are legally allowed.
The Scottish Government freeze officially ends in March 2023 – though they have powers to extend it. However, an email sent by SHR director of regulation Helen Shaw, and obtained by the Sunday Mail, states: “As things stand, social landlords are able to increase rents from April 2023. Given this, we advise you to proceed with the work to determine what level of rent increase you require for 2023/24. We appreciate that this is challenging.
