0:01 AM, 14th March 2025, About a month ago 5
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The Scottish Greens have issued an urgent plea to the SNP-led Scottish government to preserve the temporary rent cap because ‘landlords are counting down the days’ to it ending.
Green MSP Maggie Chapman says that when the cap is removed on 1 April, tenants will be vulnerable to soaring rents.
Earlier this week the MSP called for tenant evictions to be banned during the winter months.
The renters’ protections go back to 2022, when Patrick Harvie, a former Green Minister, helped to roll out a short-term cap on most in-tenancy rent rises.
After that cap ended in March 2024, a follow-on rent adjudication scheme, which Mr Harvie also helped to create, began.
This system offers tenants a chance to challenge excessive rent rises, capping them at 12% if they appeal to a rent officer.
The Scottish government offered this process as a bridge to help protect renters from big rent rises to meet market rates.
In such areas, rent increases would be capped at the rate of inflation plus one per cent.
But with the clock ticking, Ms Chapman is warning of a looming threat from landlords who are eagerly awaiting the end of these curbs.
She said: “Unless the SNP acts, rogue landlords will be counting down the days until April 1st.
“The housing market is broken. We need more and better regulations if we are to tackle the rising cost of housing, not fewer.”
Ms Chapman added: “Landlords already hold far too much power over renters, many of whom are struggling to pay their bills and keep a safe, secure roof over their heads.
“The rental market already leaves far too many renters in insecure housing which can cost them over half their pay cheque.
“Only the Scottish Greens are standing up for rent controls that actually cut costs and make rents more affordable.”
She says that the tenant protections will end before further discussion of the Housing (Scotland) Bill in the Scottish Parliament.
Ms Chapman said: “This next stage of the Bill will see crucial elements of tenants’ protections and rent controls discussed and voted on.
“We are in a housing emergency. We need to act like it.
“That means ensuring strong and permanent protections that allow renters to make their houses into homes.”
She continued: “We’ve been listening to renters and know that they can’t rely on good-natured landlords.
“This is our opportunity to put power back in people’s hands and guarantee quality, affordable housing.
“Because homes should be for living in, not for profiteering.”
Housing minister Paul McLennan said: “From April 1, protections continue to be in place against rent increases above market rent for most private tenants.
“And we would encourage tenants to make use of their right to a review of a rent increase.
“We know that there is a need for longer term action on rents to ensure a fairer system for tenants.”
He added: “That is why we are taking forward measures in the Housing Bill to support the introduction of longer-term rent control where this is needed.”
Michael Johnson - Amzac Estates
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Sign Up14:57 PM, 14th March 2025, About a month ago
Green party MSP Maggie Chapman otherwise known as Chief Watermelon, green on the outside but red on the inside!
Reading this makes me smile on one hand as the level of ignorance is shocking but I cant help but feel for younger people especially the ones with some motivation that are being locked out of the rental market as rents continue to soar due to lack of supply.
Paul Essex
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Sign Up16:41 PM, 14th March 2025, About a month ago
No need to panic the rent cap will be back in 2027 apparently.
Jack Jennings
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Sign Up23:23 PM, 14th March 2025, About a month ago
Amazing. Is there any other private sector industry which is subjected to so much government interference (apart from farming perhaps). If we were getting a 15% return these measures would seem fair but at 5% the 'my way or the highway' attitude will only result in a housing mix with no PRS left to criticise. The blame will be back squarely on government then with no deflection or excuses.
David100
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Sign Up9:13 AM, 15th March 2025, About a month ago
The loopy lefty said,
“put power back in people’s hands and guarantee quality, affordable housing, because homes should be for living in, not for profiteering.”
So what is SHE doing to provide homes for people?
Nothing.
Just whining about what others do to put a roof over families heads.
Talk is easy, that why its all politicians do.
Landlord X
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Sign Up17:26 PM, 15th March 2025, About a month ago
The lady is an absolute buffoon!!! She might aswell say “ food is for eating, not profiteering”
Every comment she pretty much states just makes her appear even thicker!
If you can’t make a profit then I’m guessing there will be no landlords…. Or is it me that’s missing something.
I find this stuff terrifying….. and it’s constant from lots of politicians, the total lack of understanding or there is another agenda and they are purposely doing this to push out PRS landlords.