Propertymark has appealed to Scotland’s new First Minister to re-evaluate plans for rent controls after Humza Yousaf resigned from the post.
Under measures originally launched by former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, rent increases were capped at 3% per year from September 2022 to April 2024.
The Housing (Scotland) Bill, which is still in its early stages in parliament, was set to make some form of rent increase cap permanent during and between tenancies.
Timothy Douglas, head of policy and campaigns at Propertymark, said: “Humza Yousaf’s resignation is a chance for his replacement to re-evaluate plans for rent control, boost investment and set out a road map for the property sector to reduce its carbon footprint with clear funding incentives and achievable targets.”
The cost of renting has actually risen by 10.5% in Scotland in the year to March 2024, as it’s thought landlords made substantial increases on new lets to compensate for potential restrictions down the line.
Tenants’ union Living Rent has expressed concerns that plans for permanent rent controls could go up in smoke following Yousaf’s departure, which will take place once a new First Minister is appointed.
A Living Rent spokesperson told the Big Issue: “The Bute House Agreement is over, but rent controls can not be allowed to go with it. Rent controls are a hugely needed policy to address Scotland’s housing crisis.
“If the SNP wants the backing of tenants they will keep their commitment to renters and the policies that we need.
“Tenants across Scotland are desperate for rent controls. Our politicians need to make sure that the rent controls that are passed into law bring down rents, improve quality and are tied to the property not the tenancy as well as greater protections against evictions.”
Humza Yousaf resigned after he abruptly ended the SNP’s power-sharing agreement with the Scottish Greens, leaving the SNP with a minority government.
The relationship between the parties became strained after Scotland axed a pledge to cut carbon emissions by 75% by 2030.
