The Scottish Government has lodged chynges tae the Hoosin (Scotland) Bill that aim tae rein in risin rents. The new rules wid haud rent hikes in areas wi rent control tae the Consumer Price Index rate plus 1%, altho they canna rise mair than 6% in total. These limits wid coont for rent hikes baith durin a tenancy an efter ae tenancy ends.

The measures come amid widespreid worries ower heich livin costs an steep energy prices. Meenisters will choose the areas whaur rent control shoud apply. The chynges bigg on existin richts in the Bill, sic as the keepin o pets.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Eradicatin bairn poverty bides as this government’s main priority an haein a hame can mak a direct contribution tae achievin this. Ensurin faimilies can hae secure an affordable hames that meet their needs is pairt o oor approach tae tacklin the hoosin emergency. These measures will help protect tenants against a backdrop o a continuin cost o livin crisis an risin energy costs. We are daein whit we can wi the pouers that we hae as we ken oor policies are warkin tae improve the lives o faimilies in Scotland. Scotland awready haes some o the strangest richts in the UK for tenants, but we want tae improve the rentin experience even mair tae create an affordable, heich-quality an fair rented sector. We hae bin warkin closely wi tenants’ organisations tae develop provisions in the Hoosin Bill tae improve renters’ richts, includin a system o lang-term rent controls that is fair for tenants an encourages investment in the sector. Oor rented sector is a crucial pairt o tacklin the hoosin emergency an these measures provide important certainty for tenants.”

The proposal seeks tae gie a fair chance tae thae that rent, even as the cost o livin spurs mony stressfu chyces. The amendments are pairt o the government’s wider effort tae mend the rentin experience an spairk further biggin in the field.