It’s been in discussion for a while and with the buoyant housing market and spike in property prices it was only a matter of time before it was bought up again. Scotland will be the first in the UK to introduce rent controls but will England & Wales eventually follow suit?
Rent controls, possibly ensuring that rents do not exceed 25 per cent of household income, are poised to be introduced into part of the UK.
The deal between the Scottish National Party and the Green Party to ensure a majority government north of the border included a series of commitments which both groups of politicians say they share - with rent controls close to the top of the list.
In a 50 page document outlining issues with the support of both parties, published over the weekend, it says an objective of the new Scottish Government will be to “implement an effective national system of rent controls, enhance tenants’ rights” as well as delivering 110,000 affordable homes by 2032.”
Green Party co-leader Lorna Slater says: “With the COP26 climate conference coming to Glasgow, Scotland is in a position show real leadership on climate. But this deal is about people as well as the planet. Together, we would deliver a new deal for tenants, giving tenants more rights and introducing rent controls to help tackle Scotland’s housing crisis.”
The new deal will be developed in consultation, and will:
- create a new housing regulator for the private rented sector to improve standards and enforce tenants’ rights.
- enhance tenants’ rights, including through greater restrictions on evictions over winter, providing additional security for tenants.
- introduce new rights for tenants, for example giving tenants greater flexibility to decorate their home and to keep pets.
- put in place additional penalties and compensation for illegal evictions.
If you have questions regarding rent controls, feel free to drop us a message here.
Lettings Managing Partner
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