Most Scots back rent controls – Poll

It might not surprise many landlords in Scotland, but a poll organised by the Scottish Greens shows that most people support rent controls.

The survey shows that 74% of respondents endorse restrictions on rent rises, while 83% view current rent rates as disproportionately high relative to earnings in Scotland.

However, the Scottish Association of Landlords warns that rent controls in Scotland will drive rents up – as evidence shows in other countries which bring them in.

The poll also highlights strong support for policies aimed at addressing neglected properties, with 69% favouring proposals to compel landlords to sell long-vacant land and housing.

The findings come as the Scottish Parliament considers the Housing (Scotland) Bill, which includes amendments from Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman.

Her proposals seek to establish stringent controls to ensure rental costs do not outpace income growth, prioritising tenants’ financial relief amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Support for rent controls

Ms Chapman said: “It is no wonder that there is such strong support for rent controls.

“The housing market is completely broken, and it is renters who are paying the price. It underlines just how crucial it is that we take action.”

She added: “We’ve all seen how much damage is being done by rogue landlords who have been given carte blanche to line their pockets through massive rent increases.

“Not only does this hurt renters, often pushing them into poverty or even homelessness, but it hurts our economy as people have less money to spend.”

Scottish rent freeze

Ms Chapman went on: “This is why the Scottish Greens implemented a rent freeze and eviction ban during Covid, saving people thousands of pounds, and it’s why we so strongly opposed the SNP ending the protections that we put in place afterwards.

“With the Housing Bill going through parliament, we have the opportunity to stop the exploitation of renters and end rip-off rents. We must seize it.”

She adds: “We must offer people and their families some financial stability, and less worry about losing the roof over their heads.

“Homes are for living in and not for profiteering. We need to make unaffordable rent hikes become a thing of the past.”

The consequences of rent control

John Blackwood, the chief executive of the Scottish Association of Landlords, said: “It is unsurprising that people support rent control, no one likes to see the cost-of-living increase.

“However, the fundamental issue is what are the consequence of rent control and what does it actually do to the rental market?

“Comparisons from other countries show that rent controls drive up rents, choke supply, and drive investors out the sector.”

He added: “In a housing emergency, politicians need to do everything they can to bolster housing supply and encourage more investors into the housing sector – not frighten them off by threatening rent controls.”