The Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) Scotland Act introduced emergency legislation which gave ministers the power to cap rents for social tenants for the first time when it was passed in October. Rents in the private rented sector and for student accommodation were also impacted by the legislation.
The cap applies to rent increases for those in an existing tenancy and was initially set at 0% from 6 September 2022 until at least 31 March 2023, with ministers also given the power to vary the rent cap while it is in force and extend the measures over two further six-month periods.
COSLA has issued a statement of intent which confirms local authorities’ commitment to keeping rent increases in April 2023 to an average of no more than £5 a week, while the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) and Glasgow West of Scotland Forum of Housing Associations (GWSF) report that their members are consulting with tenants on a set of increases in April 2023 that will average 6.1%.
Timothy Douglas, Head of Policy and Campaigns for industry body Propertymark commented:
“The conversations taking place with Scottish social landlords needs to be echoed across the private rented sector. But instead, we continue to see costs increase such as the new raise in ADS to six per cent. Because of this, 68 per cent of letting agents are reporting an increase in notices to sell from their landlords.
"The private rented sector houses more people than the social sector, and whilst we whole heartedly support investing in and working with the social sector, it’s aggravating to continue to see the private sector be overlooked time and time again.”
