Scottish campaign for tenants' rights

Housing minister Paul McLennan has launched a campaign to increase awareness of tenants’ rights in Scotland, including information on where renters can go to get help and advice.

Tenants in Scotland have some of the strongest renters rights in the UK including: the right to ask for a review of a rent increase, the right to correct notice from a landlord before a rent increase, and the right to a rented home that is maintained to an acceptable standard.

On his visit to Citizens Advice in Edinburgh, the housing minister said: “People who rent their homes in Scotland already have strong rights when it comes to rent rises, maintenance and repairs and evictions. This campaign is important to make sure we increase awareness of these rights. 

“We also want to highlight the end of the temporary change to rent adjudication on 31 March. This was put in place to support the transition back to market rent following the temporary cap on rents under the Cost of Living Act.

“Under existing legislation most private tenants continue to have the right to seek a review of a rent increase and I would encourage any tenant who is concerned about this to apply.

“We’re also taking forward measures in the Housing Bill to address the need for longer term action on rent control and strengthen tenants’ rights where it’s needed.”