The Scottish government has rejected proposals to increase rents by no more than the cost-of-living or increase in wages, at the latest stage of the Housing (Scotland) Bill.

Amendments by the Scottish Greens included a plan for councils to introduce lower increases, freezes or rent reductions in areas where rents are already too high.

However, the government and opposition parties blocked these, as well as proposals to introduce an emergency national rent cap if needed.

Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman (main Image) says she’ll keep pushing for stronger rent controls through the Bill – which enters its next stage in June - and will force another vote on lower rents.

Adds Chapman: “With opposition parties and the government refusing to back these proposals, it’s clearer than ever that the Scottish Greens are the only party committed to standing up for renters, in a sector dominated by the landlord lobby.

“The government and opposition parties will have an important choice to make - end rip-off rents for good, or continue with business as usual, and let renters continue to pay the price.”

Pragmatic

The Scottish Parliament has agreed to rent increases linked to CPI+1%, to a maximum of 6% for properties in rent control areas, a move which Scottish Property Federation director David Melhuish (pictured) says needs to be “investable and pragmatic” so that controls don’t threaten the pipeline of quality new rented housing.

However, the group remains concerned that other key amendments to the Bill will undermine progress.

“In particular, the recently passed amendment to introduce rent controls on student tenancies raise serious viability questions about future investment in the Scottish PBSA market,” explains Melhuish.

“Of equal concern is the government’s recent commitment to introduce a 28 day notice to quit period for students. Unless clearly specified as for exceptional circumstances, this measure will significantly undermine the basis of investment into the sector.”