Greens says tenants should not pay rent if repairs not done
Ariane Burgess of the Scottish Greens wants tenants to be able to hold back rent if repairs are not carried out and has tabled an amendment to the Housing (Scotland) Bill.
Landlords in Scotland are being asked to give their views on new rent control measures amid proposals to allow tenants to withhold payments.
The Greens have put forward an amendment to the Housing (Scotland) Bill, which would mean tenants could stop paying rent if repairs were not carried out.
Rent cap
Under the Bill, rent increases in designated rent control areas will be capped at the Consumer Price Index (CPI) plus 1%, with a maximum limit of 6%.
The rent cap will apply to rent increases both during a tenancy and, crucially in between tenancies as well. There has been a temporary rent arbitration scheme in place for the last year.
Local councils will be able to request the power from the Scottish Government to impose rent caps in their area.
Rent increases would be limited to once per year, regardless of how many tenancies were granted by the landlord in that period.
My proposals will make it easier for renters to stand up to rogue landlords.”
Scottish Green MSP Ariane Burgess (main picture) lodged the amendment that would allow renters to withhold rent payments.
Burgess’ proposal would see renters able to refuse to pay rent if landlords do not carry out repairs within 30 days.
“My proposals will make it easier for renters to stand up to rogue landlords, and to get vital repairs done quickly,” she says.
“At the moment, renters can do little except threaten to take their landlords to tribunals, which can be time consuming and stressful, and the burden of the tribunal falls on the renter.”
I agree with this proposal, also tenants in this terrible situation should also receive a weeks supply of responsibly sourced, ethically grown tofu burgers paid for by the capitalist landlord.
I look forward to the Green Party winning the general election in 2079!