21st
Mar 2025
A Green Party politician has alleged that landlords are "counting the days" until they can go full on rogue.
Maggie Chapman, a member of the Scottish Parliament representing the Green Party, stated that her party is the only one advocating for the return of strict rent controls.
In 2022, while part of the Scottish Government, the Green Party implemented a temporary cap on most in-tenancy rent increases. This measure was later replaced in March 2024 by an adjudication system designed to regulate rent hikes.
The measure is set to expire on April 1, and the Greens, now out of government, are calling for new controls to take its place.
Chapman says: “Unless the SNP acts, rogue landlords will be counting down the days until April 1st. The Housing Market is broken. We need more and better regulations if we are to tackle the rising cost of housing, not fewer.
“Landlords already hold far too much power over renters, many of whom are struggling to pay their bills and keep a safe, secure roof over their heads.
“The rental market already leaves far too many renters in insecure housing which can cost them over half their pay cheque.
“Only the Scottish Greens are standing up for rent controls that actually cut costs and make rents more affordable.”
The Housing (Scotland) Bill remains under debate in the Scottish Parliament with no consensus yet reached on the implementation of new rent controls.
Chapman states: “We are in a housing emergency. We need to act like it. That means ensuring strong and permanent protections that allow renters to make their houses into homes.
“We’ve been listening to renters, and know that they can’t rely on good-natured landlords. This is our opportunity to put power back in people’s hands and guarantee quality, affordable housing. Because homes should be for living in, not for profiteering.”
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