The Scottish Government has lodged changes to the Housing (Scotland) Bill that aim to rein in rising rents. The new rules would keep rent hikes in areas with rent control to the Consumer Price Index rate plus 1%, though they cannot rise more than 6% in total. These limits would count for rent hikes both during a tenancy and after one tenancy ends.

The measures come amid widespread worries over high living costs and steep energy prices. Ministers will choose the areas where rent control should apply. The changes build on existing rights in the Bill, such as the keeping of pets.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Eradicating child poverty remains this government’s top priority and having a home can make a direct contribution to achieving this. Ensuring families can have secure and affordable homes that meet their needs is part of our approach to tackling the housing emergency. These measures will also help protect tenants against a backdrop of a continuing cost of living crisis and rising energy costs. We are doing what we can with the powers that we have as we know our policies are working to improve the lives of families in Scotland. Scotland already has some of the strongest rights in the UK for tenants, but we want to improve the renting experience even more to create an affordable, high-quality and fair rented sector. We have been working closely with tenants’ organisations to develop provisions in the Housing Bill to improve renters’ rights, including a system of long-term rent controls that is fair for tenants and encourages investment in the sector. Our rented sector is a crucial part of tackling the housing emergency and these measures provide important certainty for tenants.”

The proposal seeks to give a fair chance to those who rent, even as the cost of living spurs many stressful choices. The amendments are part of the government’s wider effort to mend the renting experience and spark further building in the field.