Raising awareness of how to access support.
A campaign to increase awareness of tenants' rights was launched
today by Housing Minister . This includes information
about where renters can to go to access help and advice.
Tenants in Scotland have some of the strongest rights in the UK
which include:
- the right to ask for a review of a rent increase and for
landlords to give the correct notice period before increasing
rent
- protection from illegal evictions or being asked to leave a
property without proper notice
- the right to a rented home that is maintained to an
acceptable standard.
Speaking on his visit to Citizens Advice Scotland in Edinburgh,
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.
“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.”
Citizens Advice Scotland spokesperson Aoife Derry said:
“A safe, secure home is foundational to people's lives. 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.
“Scotland deserves a rented sector that works for everyone, so
that more people can stay in their homes.”
Notes to editors
Background
Information is available to support tenants who are concerned
about paying their rent.
If you cannot pay
your rent - mygov.scot
The Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022 was
part of the Scottish Government's overall response to the
emergency situation caused by the impact of the cost of living
crisis. This emergency legislation was time-limited and
temporary, and regularly reviewed.
