In light of the recent publication of the Housing (Scotland) Bill, which contains proposals for a system of rent controls in Scotland, Ben Twomey, chief executive of Generation Rent, has welcomed the new commitments.
Praising the Scottish Government, he said that the introduction of the Bill was testament to what renter campaigns can achieve, as Scotland cements itself as a UK leader in the protection of tenants.
He continued: “The proposed system has the potential to improve the tenant experience in Scotland but it needs to be designed well, so it can be implemented and enforced effectively.
“As it stands the local nature of the regulation could lead to tenants outside of rent control areas facing unaffordable rent increases.
“It will also take some time for the changes to come into force, with local assessments and consultations needed even after the Bill becomes law.
“In the meantime, tenants face rent increases of up to 12% even with the interim protections.”
Twomey concluded: “Nevertheless, alongside new rights around pets and decoration, this is another positive step forward for renters in Scotland, and we look forward to working with the Scottish Parliament to make the Bill as strong as possible.”
