Welcoming the passing of the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Bill, SNP MSP Kevin Stewart said:
“The Private Housing (Tenancies) Bill will provide for a transformative change in the private rented sector – providing security for Scotland’s 700,000 tenants.
“The Bill creates a modern tenancy, ends no fault evictions and limits rent increases to once every 12 months.
“This legislation addresses the problem of excessive rent rises by giving councils the ability to apply to introduce rent controls in designated rent pressure areas. This is the first time any such control has been introduced in Scotland and is an ambitious plan to ensure protection for tenants from excessive rent rises.
“The Bill also introduces a new system of redress for landlords and tenants through the new First-tier Housing and Property Tribunal. Housing Minister Margaret Burgess announced this afternoon that there will be no fees for tenants or landlords taking their case to the Tribunal if the SNP are re-elected for an historic third term.
“We want the private rented sector to be attractive to all who live, work and invest in it with provision of good quality homes and high management standards. This Bill is part of our overall housing strategy which seeks to ensure everyone can access a warm affordable home and has seen us exceed our commitment to build 30,000 affordable homes in this term of the parliament.”
More comments can be read here http://news.scotland.gov.uk/News/Private-Tenancies-Bill-passed-2414.aspx