Scotland launches campaign to boost tenants’ rights awareness

The Scottish government’s Housing Minister, Paul McLennan, has kicked off a fresh initiative highlighting the entitlements of renters in Scotland.

The drive aims to steer tenants towards vital support and guidance resources.

Scotland boasts some of the UK’s strongest tenant protections including the ability to challenge rent rises with a formal review and for landlords to meet timelines before increasing rents.

Tenants also have safeguards against unlawful evictions or abrupt tenancy terminations and PRS homes must meet decent living standards.

Tenants already have strong rights

Mr McLennan said: “People who rent their homes in Scotland already have strong rights when it comes to rent rises, maintenance and repairs and evictions.

“This campaign is important to make sure we increase awareness of these rights.

He added: “We also want to highlight the end of the temporary change to rent adjudication on 31 March.

“This was put in place to support the transition back to market rent following the temporary cap on rents under the Cost of Living Act.

“Under existing legislation most private tenants continue to have the right to seek a review of a rent increase and I would encourage any tenant who is concerned about this to apply.

“We’re also taking forward measures in the Housing Bill to address the need for longer term action on rent control and strengthen tenants’ rights where it’s needed.”

Free confidential advice

Aoife Derry, of Citizens Advice Scotland, said: “We see thousands of people coming to our local bureaux seeking advice because they are struggling to afford their rent, as well as landlords who need support.

“The Scottish CAB network is here to help with free confidential advice for anyone who needs it.

“We need to see a rented sector that works for everyone, where everyone knows their rights and responsibilities, and clear information and access to redress when things go wrong.”

She adds: “Scotland deserves a rented sector that works for everyone, so that more people can stay in their homes.”

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