No rent rises unless you improve property

Maggie Chapman, a Scottish Green MSP, has proposed amendments to the Housing (Scotland) Bill that would stop landlords from raising rents on properties that fail to meet minimum standards for quality, repair, and energy efficiency. She aims to address power imbalances between landlords and renters and penalize landlords who neglect their properties while charging high rents.

Chapman also suggests giving Local Authorities the ability to compel owners of derelict properties to sell or rent them for housing use, which aligns with Shelter’s calls to improve housing supply. She emphasizes the urgency of addressing Scotland’s housing challenges with bold actions to unlock empty properties and protect renters.