Tenants in Scotland are urged to know their rights as rent cap expires

Tenants in Scotland are being advised to know their renting rights as the emergency measures to protect them from rent hikes and evictions will end on 1 April.

The Scottish Government has launched an awareness campaign and the tenants’ rights minister, Patrick Harvie, said: “Our emergency legislation has led the way in the UK in capping most in-tenancy rent increases, protecting tenants across Scotland from the worst impacts of the cost-of-living crisis.

“The emergency nature of the legislation, which was approved by parliament, means the rent cap cannot be extended beyond 31 March.”

He added: “But tenants still have significant rights from before the emergency act, and we have made use of powers to make sure any rent rises are more manageable.”

He says that the system of checking rent rises will be adjusted so that rents do not jump ‘to market levels in one step’.

‘Check the rights that exist to protect them’

Mr Harvie added: “I would encourage anyone who is currently renting or about to enter the rental market to check the rights that exist to protect them from unfair practices.”

The Scottish government campaign will emphasise:

• The right to ask for a review of a rent increase
• Protection from illegal evictions or being asked to leave a property without proper notice
• A landlord giving a tenant the correct notice period before increasing rent
• Ensuring rented homes are maintained to an acceptable standard.

All rent increases must comply with the rent cap

The emergency rent cap is in place until 1 April, so landlords and tenants are being told that all rent increases must comply with the rent cap of 3% until then.

Rent rises proposed after that date still need to have three months’ notice, and tenants can seek a review of increases they are concerned about.

Citizens Advice Scotland spokesperson Emma Jackson said: “It’s so important that people understand their rights around private rents once the rent cap ends.

“If you think your landlord has put up the rent by too much after 1 April you can apply to Rent Service Scotland to see if it is a fair rise.”