Tenants ‘have nothing left to give’ as Holyrood rally calls on MSPs to back rent controls

Fed-up tenants, who feel they have “nothing left to give,” gathered for a rally outside the Scottish Parliament, urging politicians to support rent controls ahead of the Housing Bill vote. The Housing Bill, up for consideration by MSPs on Thursday, includes provisions for rent controls, protection against illegal evictions, and tenant rights such as keeping pets and redecorating.

Living Rent, a prominent union advocating for tenants’ rights, highlighted the dire situation faced by renters, stating that “tenants are on their knees” and calling on the parliament to act decisively to regulate landlords’ profits. Recent data from the Scottish Government revealed a steep 61.3% increase in rent since 2010, with even higher spikes in major cities like Lothian and Greater Glasgow.

The housing crisis in Scotland has reached such a critical point that the Scottish Government declared a national housing emergency due to soaring rents and a shortage of social housing. With housing costs being the biggest financial burden for many households, research has shown that Scotland’s lowest-paid workers can spend up to 50% of their income on housing.

In 2024 alone, rents across Scotland surged by 6.2%, with an average monthly rent reaching £893. The lack of affordable housing has forced many, like paramedic Logan Vaughn, to face significant rent hikes or risk homelessness. The private sector has seen a 22% increase in homelessness since 2022, and projections suggest a further rise in homelessness rates in 2024.

Various voices, including Scottish Greens Co-Leader Patrick Harvie and Lilian Macer of UNISON Scotland, have emphasised the urgent need for robust rent controls to protect tenants and address the housing crisis effectively. The call for action extends to ensuring affordability, stability, and security in the housing market for all residents.

As the debate over the Housing Bill and rent controls intensifies, stakeholders across different sectors, including universities and public services, are joining the chorus for meaningful changes that prioritise tenants’ rights and well-being. The upcoming vote on the Housing Bill is seen as a pivotal moment in shaping Scotland’s housing policies for the future.

In summary, the rally outside the Scottish Parliament underscores the growing urgency for rent controls to be implemented to address the housing crisis in Scotland and protect tenants from rising rents and insecure housing conditions. Stakeholders from various sectors are calling on MSPs to prioritise affordable and stable housing for all residents as they consider the Housing Bill, which is set to introduce significant reforms to the housing sector.