New proposals from the Scottish Government could see rent caps introduced that would help tenants across Lanarkshire.
The proposals which would apply across Scotland have been welcomed by Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey.
MSPs are scrutinising the Housing (Scotland) Bill which, if voted for by the Scottish Parliament, could protect some tenants by capping increases on their rent to a maximum of six per cent.
The proposals would limit rent increases to the Consumer Price Index – which is a measure of inflation – plus one per cent, up to a maximum increase of six per cent. This would allow rent caps in areas where controls apply, and stop landlords from hiking rents excessively.
If approved, the rent cap will apply to rent increases both during a tenancy, and crucially, in between tenancies as well.
It will only apply in areas where rent controls apply but if the bill becomes law, Clare Haughey MSP intends to follow up with South Lanarkshire Council to see how residents in the constituency could benefit.
The proposal is part of the Scottish Government’s wider New Deal for Tenants, which aims to strengthen tenants’ rights – including the right to keep pets, decorate homes, to have better protections against eviction, and greater support for survivors of domestic abuse.
Clare Haughey MSP said: “Eradicating child poverty remain the Scottish Government’s priority, and access to secure, affordable housing that meets their needs makes a direct contribution to this aim.
“Everyone deserves a safe, warm home that gives them security and peace of mind – and this move, if voted for by MSP, would give tenants the protections that they deserve.
“Linking rent caps to inflation allows costs to landlords to be reflected, while offering protection to tenants by limiting more significant rent increases.
“As the cap will only apply in areas where rent controls apply, I will be following this up with South Lanarkshire Council, should the Bill become law, to see how Rutherglen and Cambuslang residents could benefit from these rental protections.”
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