Landlords should no longer be able to hike rents on properties that have fallen into disrepair and are not up to standard, say the Scottish Greens.
A Green Member of the Scottish Parliament – Maggie Chapman – has lodged amendments to the forthcoming Housing (Scotland) Bill that would prevent rent increases if a property does not meet the minimum standards to be set by ministers in terms quality, repair and energy efficiency.
Chapman says: “Everyone deserves a warm, safe and affordable place to call home, but all over Scotland there are rogue landlords trying to rinse renters and maximise their profits while providing sub-par accommodation that people are forced to endure.
“For far too long, far too many landlords have been able to get away with doing the bare minimum while their tenants are paying the price. They have left houses in disrepair and treated renters terribly while hiking up rents and knowing that they can get away with it.
“We need to end the huge power imbalance. We don’t just need stricter regulations, we also need to ensure that landlords are actually following them.
“My proposals will uphold the rights of renters and penalise the landlords who refuse to repair or upgrade their properties while charging premium prices.
“Homes must be suitable for living in and quite frankly, far too many are not. I hope that all parties will back my proposals and protect renters across Scotland.”
Chapman has also lodged amendments that would allow Local Authorities to force owners of derelict properties and land to sell or rent for use as housing. The Local Authority itself would not need to be the purchaser.
This is an existing demand of the campaigning charity Shelter, which argues that this is crucial in order to improving housing supply.
Chapman concludes: “Homes are for living in, but there are landlords sitting on derelict property, sometimes for years and years. This could unlock thousands of homes that are currently sitting empty and help people and families who are struggling.
“Scotland’s housing system is broken and we need big and bold changes like these if we are to live up to the urgency of the moment.”
