North MSP backs plans to extend three per cent cap on private rents

PRIVATE tenants in the Highlands and Islands will benefit from Scottish Government plans to extend the three per cent rent cap until next year and introduce extra protection from eviction, according to north MSP, Ariane Burgess.

She said the measures would help people stay in their homes. Ms Burgess, the Green MSP for the Highlands and Islands, pointed out that the average monthly rent for a two-bedroom flat in her constituency is £642 – an increase of 27.6 per cent since 2010.

The government announcement was made by the Minister for Tenant’s Rights, Patrick Harvie, and means the protections introduced in October 2022 using emergency legislation will now be in place until March 31, 2024, if Parliament agrees the proposals.

Until March 2023 private rents were frozen as a result of the Emergency Act. The cap was raised from zero per cent to three per cent from 1 April and this will now last until next March, stated the north MSP.

Ms Burgess said: "I am delighted that we have been able to extend this vital support and these groundbreaking protections. It will make a difference during what is a difficult time for tenants in the Highlands and Islands and all across Scotland.

"The measures we have introduced are providing stability and support for households and families who are being hit by soaring costs and bills. I am delighted that we have been able to extend them. These vital changes are far ahead of anything being done in other parts of the UK. The legislation puts Scotland firmly at the forefront of tenants rights and sets a benchmark for other governments to follow."

She added: "In the near future we are also committed to introducing new laws which would implement permanent rent controls and eviction protections, give tenants the right to keep pets, decorate their homes and much more."

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