THE Scottish Government will fail tenants if they persist with “damaging and regressive plans that would water down rent controls”, the Scottish Greens have claimed.
Following the publication of the Scottish Parliament’s Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee report into Stage 1 of the Housing Bill – which welcomed plans for rent controls – Green MSP Maggie Chapman has warned the SNP about “caving in” to the “landlord lobby”.
Housing Minister Paul McLennan delivered a statement to Parliament setting out a proposed amendment to the Housing Bill which would allow rents to be increased above inflation and by up to 6% in rent control areas.
If approved, the rent cap will apply to rent increases both during the term of a tenancy and in between tenancies and will only apply in areas where rent control is applied.
Chapman said the SNP Government must introduce legislation that allows meaningful action against exploitative landlords if it is serious about tackling child poverty.
She 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.”
Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie (above) wrote earlier this week that despite initial plans to introduce robust rent controls, the SNP have opted for a “watered-down” approach.
While local councils will still have the power to designate rent control areas, the ability to cap rent increases will be limited.
The Scottish Government has been approached for comment.
