IT is one of the most important things in anyone’s life – a safe space, a home of their own.

The private rental sector makes up 14 per cent of the country’s housing, up from just five per cent in 1999.

During that time, the level of social rented housing has fallen, as has the proportion of owner-occupiers.

Yesterday MSPs voted to modernise the sector, limiting the frequency of rental increases, creating new conditions for eviction and introducing rent pressure zones in high-demand areas.

The changes were welcomed by campaigners last night, but legislation alone will not drive up standards for the 700,000 people living in private lets.

While much of the country’s accommodation is of good quality, while many landlords and letting agents are reputable, too often tenants endure poor standards and ill-treatment.

Strong enforcement is needed to ensure that their rights are upheld.

Of course, landlords must also be given protections against bad tenants – after all, it is their investment at risk.

But in a country where social housing is inaccessible to many and buying a property impossible, the tenant is the vulnerable party.

Housing – good or bad – impacts on health, education, mental wellbeing and quality of life.

It is in all our interests to ensure every household in Scotland has a place fit to call home.


MSPs vote in favour of more rights for tenants