The SNP’s failure to plan for the end of temporary rent controls has resulted in rents in Scotland rising faster than in most other parts of the UK, according to figures obtained by the Scottish Labour Party.
The figures show that average rents rose by 20% in disputes after the end of the control period, with one landlord even attempting to increase the rent by 186%.
The data was collected as part of requests made to Rent Service Scotland for decision-making purposes and released to the Scottish Labour Party in response to a Freedom of Information Act request.
Recent data from the Zoopla Rental Market Report shows that rents across Scotland have risen by almost 10% over the past 12 months, more than anywhere else except the North East of England. Edinburgh is the second highest city after Newcastle. The average rent in Scotland’s capital is currently £1,268 per calendar month.
Mark Griffin, Scottish Labour’s housing spokesman, said: “Sadly, these figures show that instead of fixing the roof with the rent freeze, the SNP has just put a bucket out to catch the drippings.”
“Delaying a problem is not the same as solving it. The SNP’s failure to propose a viable alternative to rent control in a timely manner has left tenants facing drastic rent increases after the emergency legislation expired.
“Instead of prioritising the Housing Bill so MPs could work together on a sustainable plan, the SNP has slashed the affordable housing budget and allowed housing construction to grind to a halt under its watch.
“With nowhere else to go, working families, young people and those on the lowest incomes stuck in the private rental sector are forced to raise money to cover soaring housing costs.
“This SNP government must prioritise ending the housing crisis by developing a common policy so that everyone has a place to call home.”
The Scottish Government’s Housing Bill, currently before the Holyrood Parliament, would give ministers the power to introduce rent control zones and cap rent increases.
Housing Minister Paul McLennan said: “The rent cap provided protection for tenants in existing tenancies. Although the rent cap expired on 31 March, our temporary changes to how rents are set protect people from very steep rent increases if a tenant seeks a review.
“Rent Service Scotland’s figures show how important this additional protection is and I welcome tenants taking advantage of it.
“Our housing bill, currently being discussed in Parliament, contains proposals for long-term rent control aimed at stabilising rents for both existing and new tenants.”
