End of rent protections will punish households in Edinburgh, says Green MSP

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.” 

New standards advice for private landlords published

Guidance setting out private rented sector landlords’ responsibilities for ensuring their property meets updated standards has been published.

From 1 March next year, all private rented properties will be required to have central heating, a kitchen with adequate space and facilities to prepare and store food, and common areas that are safe to use and properly maintained.

Properties will also need a circuit breaker device that reduces the risk of electrocution and fire. Existing requirements for safe gas and electrical systems will be extended to other types of fuel. Similar standards are already in place in the social rented sector.

The guidance also covers the action landlords must already take to prevent damp and mould.

Housing Secretary Shona Robison said: “Landlords have one year to meet our updated Repairing Standard, which will improve the condition of private rented property, make homes safer and ensure consistency between the social and private rented sectors.

“The majority of private landlords will already be meeting these standards. The guidance published today will help landlords better understand their responsibilities and ensure those who do need to carry out works can do so in advance of the 1 March 2024 deadline.

“All rented homes are required to meet standards that ensure they are free from damp and mould, and this guidance will help us to ensure this happens in the private rented sector.”

The Repairing Standard – Statutory Guidance for Private Landlords

Tenants’ rights

If you rent your home, your rights depend on the type of tenancy you have. If you rent from a private landlord or letting agent:

Private residential tenancy

Assured tenancy

Short assured tenancy

Regulated tenancy

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