An emergency bill to protect tenants from eviction and rent increases has been passed by the Scottish Government.
The temporary legislation gives Ministers temporary power to cap rents for private and social tenants, as well as for student accommodation. The bill also puts a suspension on evictions.
The rent cap has initially been set at 0% from September 6 until the end of next March, with Ministers able to vary the rent cap while it is in force.
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The measures can also be extended over two further six-month periods.
Enforcement of eviction actions resulting from the cost crisis are prevented over the same period except in a number of specified circumstances, and damages for unlawful evictions have been increased to a maximum of 36 months’ worth of rent.
Some safeguards for those landlords who may also be impacted by the cost crisis have been put in place.
Tenants’ Rights Minister Patrick Harvie said: “I am pleased that Parliament has passed this Bill to support tenants through the current cost of living crisis. 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.
“With this Bill now set to become law, tenants in the social or private rented sector, or in student accommodation, will have stability in their homes and housing costs.
“I’m hugely grateful to MSPs for scrutinising and agreeing this legislation this week, ensuring these protections can be brought in with the urgency that this crisis demands.”
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