Housing minister Paul McLennan launches Highland tenants’ rights campaign with protections from illegal eviction, rent increases and maintenance to the fore

Housing minister Paul McLennan launches Highland tenants’ rights campaign with protections from illegal eviction, rent increases and maintenance to the fore.

Latest figures show that there are an estimated 8702 privately rented dwellings across the Highlands which account for 7.2 per cent of total dwellings in the area.

Nationally, 84 per cent of private tenants are satisfied with their housing but research shows many do not know their rights or feel able to use them when a problem arises.

It's important that renters in the Highlands know how to use their rights and it is claimed that tenants in Scotland have “some of the strongest rights in the UK”.

Now a campaign to increase tenants’ awareness of their rights has been launched by the Scottish Government’s housing minister Paul McLennan.

These rights include:

• the right to ask for a review of a rent increase and for landlords to give the correct notice period before increasing rent

• protection from illegal evictions or being asked to leave a property without proper notice

• the right to a rented home that is maintained to an acceptable standard.

Mr McLennan said: “People who rent their homes in the Highlands already have strong rights when it comes to rent rises, maintenance and repairs and evictions. This campaign is important to make sure we increase awareness of these rights.

“We also want to highlight the end of the temporary change to rent adjudication on 31 March. This was put in place to support the transition back to market rent following the temporary cap on rents under the Cost of Living Act.

“Under existing legislation most private tenants continue to have the right to seek a review of a rent increase and I would encourage any tenant who is concerned about this to apply.

“We’re also taking forward measures in the Housing Bill to address the need for longer term action on rent control and strengthen tenants’ rights where it’s needed.”

Citizens Advice Scotland spokesperson Aoife Derry said: “A safe, secure home is foundational to people’s lives. We see thousands of people coming to our local bureaux seeking advice because they are struggling to afford their rent, as well as landlords who need support.

“The Scottish CAB network is here to help with free confidential advice for anyone who needs it. We need to see a rented sector that works for everyone, where everyone knows their rights and responsibilities, and clear information and access to redress when things go wrong.

“Scotland deserves a rented sector that works for everyone, so that more people can stay in their homes.”

Information is available to support tenants who are concerned about paying their rent - mygov.scot

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