The Scottish government today announced plans to reform private tenancy laws, protecting renters from short-notice evictions and abuses of their rights.
The process will begin with consultation to examine the controversial ‘no-fault’ repossession clause.
This clause allows landlords to evict tenants at the completion of their fixed rental term even if the tenant has not violated the terms of their contract.
Under proposed legislation tenants will also be able to take unjustified rent raises to court and will be able to assert their rights without fear of eviction.
Landlords will have eleven grounds to use if they wish to regain possession of their property, including the intention to sell.
Margaret Burgess, the Housing Minister, said, ‘These changes to existing tenancy laws are designed to improve security for tenants and provide safeguards for landlords, investors and lenders.’
Graeme Brown, Director of Shelter Scotland, said, ‘We welcome the Scottish Government’s commitment to increase security of tenure for private tenants.’
‘The short-term tenancy agreements currently commonplace in the private rented sector do not provide the stability and security that the more than 80,000 families with children living in the private rented sector need in order to live a settled life.’
