Tenants’ rights in Scotland continue to be strongest in the UK.
Private renters 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
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.
On a visit to Clackmannanshire Citizens’ Advice Bureau, where he
spoke to rent advisors, Tenants’ Rights Minister 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. 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.
“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 who is currently renting or about to
enter the rental market to check the rights that exist to protect
them from unfair practices.”
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.
“The reality is the cost-of-living crisis has left a lot of
people struggling to afford essential bills like energy and rent,
and the Citizens Advice network can help with broader advice to
increase how much money you have coming in each month or cutting
bills.”
Background
Renter's rights - Renters'
rights (campaign.gov.scot)
Illustrative rent increase
calculator
Changes from 1 April 2024
- Cost of living: rent and eviction - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
Private tenants rights:
summary - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
