Union wants more protection to help tenants across Scotland

SCOTLAND’S tenants’ union Living Rent wants all rent to be suspended immediately to protect tenants during the coronavirus pandemic.

It has joined up with other tenants’ unions to call for the suspension, the cancellation of all rent debt and stronger protections against eviction.

The union says a survey of 765 Scottish tenants revealed 65 per cent of respondents fear being unable to pay their rent in the near future.

Carol McLafferty, a Living Rent member, said: “We’re supporting members to negotiate rent reductions with their landlords on a daily basis.

“The number of individuals struggling every month shows that the government’s call for landlords to be ‘compassionate’ has not worked.

“Individuals and families are being forced to choose between rent and food. Rent is not essential.”

Last week, a £5million fund was launched by the Scottish Government to offer interest-free loans to landlords whose tenants are having difficulty paying rent during the crisis.

Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said the move “offers landlords the same security as tenants” after the government previously agreed to ban evictions for six months.

He said: “The Scottish Government encourages landlords to talk to their tenants about rent payment issues.

“We also expect landlords to be as flexible as possible with their tenants, discuss managing rental payments and help them find sources of financial support and advice.”

Ms McLafferty said the eviction ban was “a plaster” postponing future evictions.

“We need to ensure that everyone is protected and that housing remains the government’s priority in defence against the pandemic,” she said.

“Our society is only as healthy as its most vulnerable members.”

Living Rent teamed up with ACORN and the London Renters Union to send an open letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the Chancellor Rishi Sunak, and the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Robert Jenrick.

It has been signed by academics, other union leaders and some MPs, including former Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell.

The letter states: “For too long, our housing system has prioritised private profits of landlords over the needs of the rest of us, leading to unaffordable rents, increased insecurity, and the decimation of public housing.”

It continues: “Many renters feel they have no choice but to break social distancing guidelines and go out to work so they can continue to pay their rent, putting themselves and others at risk of infection.

“Devastating rent debt will make it impossible for many to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the pandemic.”