With emergency rent freeze legislation passed in Holyrood, ministers now have temporary powers to cap rents on private and social housing.
The Tenant Protection (Scotland) Bill also bans most evictions, allowing them only under certain circumstances.
The bill passed on Thursday, October 6 with 86 MSPs in favour and 28 against.
The Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Bill has been passed by MSPs.
— Scottish Parliament (@ScotParl) October 6, 2022
It seeks to temporarily restrict landlords from increasing the amount of rent they can charge, and place restrictions on evictions from residential tenancies.
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Minister for Tenants' Rights, Patrick Harvie said: "People who rent their home are more likely to live in poverty or be on low incomes than other people, and many will be anxious about keeping up payments on their homes as their everyday expenses rise."
He added: “I’m hugely grateful to MSPs for scrutinising and agreeing on this legislation this week, ensuring these protections can be brought in with the urgency that this crisis demands.”
With new rules around housing, here is everything you need to know about Scotland's rent freeze.
How long is the rent freeze in Scotland?
The rent freeze is temporary and will only last until March 31, 2023, unless ministers choose to extend the legislation.
The bill can be extended to September 30 and again to March 31, 2024.
What does a rent freeze in Scotland mean?
The rent freeze means that landlords will not be allowed to increase the rent charged to tenants.
However, landlords who can prove property costs have risen may be allowed to increase their rents by as much as 3%.
Can my landlord evict me?
Your landlord can only evict you if:
- They can prove they are experiencing financial hardship
- They are owed rent arrears of an amount agreed before the bill
- The tenant is convicted of certain offenses
- The property is sold by the landlord's lender
- The tenant is not occupying the property
- The tenent is committing criminal and anti-social behaviour
- Damage is made to substantial works on the property
Is my rent frozen in Scotland?
The rent freeze will benefit those living in private, social, and student accommodations.
Was King Charles allowed to vet the rent freeze bill?
King Charles was allowed to vet the rent freeze legislation due to concerns that the bill would affect tenants on the Balmoral estate in the north east of Scotland.
This follows rule changes made after it was found that the Queen amended at least 67 bills through what is called 'Crown Consent'.
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