Make Renting Right

Private rented housing is a big issue in the West End and right across Dundee and Scotland.  It is important that people who rent in the private sector are treated fairly and that standards in the private rented sector are improved.

I deal with constituents on a regular basis who are suffering from problems in the private rented sector.  It is important for the West End that we create a regulatory framework which works in the best interests of tenants (and indeed their landlords) in the West End and beyond.

I was pleased to support Shelter Scotland's Make Renting Right campaign.  This campaign calls for

1. Stability for people wanting to make rented housing their home. A stable private rented sector would be good for both tenants and landlords, as it would ensure that renting privately is seen as a positive choice for all. If tenants feel more secure in their homes, they can play a bigger part in their community whether that’s children settled in school, local initiatives or getting to know neighbours. Security, from the fear of eviction for no reason, will help build a valuable, trusting relationship between all landlords and tenants. And landlords benefit from more secure and guaranteed income.
2. Flexibility for people to stay in their home as long as they need.
   The private rented sector is changing. Current demand suggests that while some people want the option of a tenancy that lasts for as long as they need it, others want flexibility if they need to move.
   We want a tenancy regime that can respond to people’s needs and work for both landlords and tenants. For tenants, it is about striking the balance between being able to live as long as they need in a property, with due consideration given to the landlord in terms of adequate notice when they want to leave.
3. A modern tenancy that gives security and flexibility for tenants AND landlords.
   To meet current and future demand in the private rented sector, we need a modern tenancy agreement which works for both tenants and landlords.
   That means a more secure tenancy for people who need it and modernisation of the processes and timeframes for landlords, should they need someone to leave their property.
   A modern tenancy regime for private renters should reflect that the sector is growing and need to work for different individuals and families.
4. A fair system for sorting out renting problems when they occur.
   When problems do occur, we want to see a better way of resolving them.
   The introduction of the Private Rented Sector Tribunal, a formal dispute resolution process, where both tenants and landlords can have easy access to help resolve issues, will help achieve this.
5. Predictable rents for tenants and landlords.

We want to see a private rented sector where rents are fair and a system where any rent increases are proportionate and structured so tenants can prepare for changes in their rent.
A new, modern tenancy regime should formalise this process.

I will be looking for the Scottish Government to make a real difference and hope that their consultation on tenancies in the private sector will make a real difference to people's lives. 

I share the concerns raised by my colleague James Kelly MSP that the Scottish Government blocked plans by Scottish Labour to stop tenants being ripped off by landlords charging excessive rents.

James Kelly MSP  has commented on this:

"The SNP cannot continue to ignore the need for rent reform. It has now become clear that we need to create a system that works for tenants.

 

“Too many families in Scotland are choosing between heating and eating. Too many families in Scotland are living from pay cheque to pay cheque, and too many families in Scotland are trapped in the private rented sector, unable to access social housing or get a foot on the property ladder.

 

“The SNP were wrong to side with the Tories and rogue landlords to block rent reform. They have a chance this week to do the right thing, work with Scottish Labour and deliver a system which will offer some protection and security to over 100, 000 Scots who live in poverty in the private rental sector.”

 

Please support Shelter Scotland's important Make Renting Right campaign.