A campaign to make Scotland’s growing private rented sector fairer and fit for families has been launched in Edinburgh.
Shelter Scotland aims to build public support for reforming private tenancy regime which often sees households on short-term rental agreements.
The charity has invited local politicians to sign up to the campaign – Make Renting Right.
It is also encouraging the public to get behind its bid for change.
Shelter is calling for modern tenancy agreements that gives both tenants and landlords security as well as more stability for people wanting to make rented housing their home.
Currently 312,000 families and individuals rent privately in Scotland while more than 80,000 private lets are household with children.
Graeme Brown, Director of Shelter Scotland, said: “We want to see a private rented sector in Edinburgh and across Scotland that is fit for families and protects all tenants – a sector that provides long-term homes, not short-term housing.
“Short-term tenancy agreements 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.
“Too often we hear of people being moved on, evicted or rents increased unreasonably, forcing people into the disruptive cycle of having to move house – every six months in some cases – preventing them from ever being able to put down strong roots and being part of a community.”
He continued: “That’s why we are asking people to support our campaign to positively reform the private rented sector.”
