The Scottish Government’s decision to end renter protection will harm households and families in Edinburgh. says Lorna Slater the Scottish Green MSP for Lothian region.
The protections, which ended this week, were introduced by the then Green Minister Patrick Harvie following the year long rent freeze. This mechanism potentially allows rent increases to be limited to no higher than 12% if a tenant applies to a rent officer for a decision.
The Scottish Government had said the system would support the transition away from the rent freeze and to the forthcoming system of Rent Control Areas, avoiding a ‘cliff edge’ for renters and protecting them from excessively large increases.
The cost of renting a two bedroom home in Scotland’s capital is £1,358, which is an increase of 14% since 2010.
Lorna Slater MSP said: “Households and families all over the citywill be getting notices hiking up their rents with little chance to appeal. Meanwhile rogue landlords will be celebrating in the knowledge that they are no longer being constrained.
“It doesn’t need to be like this. The Scottish Government can stop it. The protections that the Scottish Greens secured can be extended, offering renters supporters from the most predatory landlords.
“People in Edinburgh have already seen their costs soaring and this decision will only make that worse and will make further price hikes inevitable.
“All parties agree that we are in a housing emergency. The last thing we should be doing is allowing rents to be increased without limit.
“We need a robust and permanent system of rent controls that can support renters and offer protection and stability.
“Homes are for living in, not for profiteering. We need fundamental change if we are to ensure everyone in the city and beyond has a warm, comfortable and affordable place to call home.”