TENANTS RIGHTS IN SCOTLAND CONTINUE TO BE THE STRONGEST IN THE UK
Private renters in Renfrewshire are being urged to know their rights before the emergency rent cap and additional evictions protections in Scotland come to an end from 1 April.
Tenants in Scotland have some of the strongest rights of any part of the UK, an awareness raising campaign will highlight those rights and what tenants should expect from their landlords, including:
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
Natalie Don MSP
Tenants and landlords are also reminded that the emergency rent cap is still in place until 1 April, so all rent increase notices for private residential tenancies issued before then must still comply with the current cap of 3%. Rent increases proposed after that date still need to give 3 months’ notice, and tenants can seek a review of increases they are concerned about.
Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:
“The Scottish Government’s 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 the Scottish Parliament, means the rent cap cannot be extended beyond 31 March. However, tenants in Renfrewshire should be aware that they still have significant rights from before the emergency act, and the government has made use of powers to make sure any rent rises are more manageable.
“Subject to parliamentary approval, the system of checking rent rises will be adjusted from 1 April so that rents are not simply jumping to market levels in all cases in one step.
“I would encourage anyone across the Renfrewshire North and West constituency who is currently renting or about to enter the rental market to check the rights that exist to protect them from unfair practices.”