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

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

0:01 AM, 4th March 2024, About 9 months ago 4

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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.”


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Paul Essex

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20:53 PM, 4th March 2024, About 9 months ago

So the rent cap actually ends on the 1st of July then!

Reluctant Landlord

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9:05 AM, 5th March 2024, About 9 months ago

a flurry of rent increase notification to tenants on 2nd April is expected then probably including LL's who have not always done this on an annual basis.
There will be a sharp increase in rents as a result so by the time T has to start paying it, the chances are the tribunal will favour the increase proposed by the Landlord as there will be a new higher 'market rate' than there was before. Tenants are still obliged to pay the increase while an appeal to the rent tribunal is made too....wonder when they expect to get an adjudication given the influx of applications that will go in?

Or will tenants just realise they are resigned to have to pay the increase as there is no real choice in the matter?

Meanwhile tenants who fear a rent increase they cannot afford will be looking to move elsewhere....but where?

You reap what you sow SNP - now tell me again how rent caps are best for tenants??

GlanACC

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8:58 AM, 7th March 2024, About 9 months ago

I think the number of LLs selling up will increase now, better to have money in your pocket than non payent tenant

Graeme Milloy

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15:40 PM, 14th March 2024, About 9 months ago

The main issue is establishing what a market rent actually is. Factors such as property condition, furnishings, location and even floor position can effect a rental price.
Ultimately it’s not a workable system of rent control.

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