Appeal for action to help city tenants as rent levels surge

FIGURES from the Scottish Government h a v e r e v e a l e d Glaswegians are shelling out up to 56% more rent than they were a decade ago.

A Scottish Government report released this week has shown a clear increase in average rents in private rented accommodation across the city.

Tenants in one- bed flats in the city are paying 38.3% more than they were a decade ago – from £ 437 per month in 2010 to more than £ 600 this year.

Rent for two bed properties has risen by 41% with occupants paying £ 794 now compared to £ 564 in 2010.

Renters in three- bedroom properties are now paying an average of £ 1028 per month compared to £ 728 in 2010 – an increase of 41%

Tenants in four- bedroom properties have faced an eye- watering 56.2% increase in the last decade. In 2010, a four- bed property in the city would cost on average, £ 928 per month but residents are now parting with £ 1667 a month.

The figures have prompted strong words from various campaign groups and charities who have called on the

Scottish Government to take further action.

Housing and homelessness charity Shelter Scotland called for the Scottish Government to build more social housing. Tenant’s union Living Rent have called for the Scottish Government to implement rent controls.

Scottish Conservative shadow housing spokesman Alexander Stewart said: “It is concerning that rents are rising at such a high level across Glasgow, especially in the current economic climate.

“This affects young people in particular and it is why we need to see more urgent action from SNP Ministers on making more affordable housing available.

“There has been a real failure of SNP Ministers to ensure enough new affordable homes have been completed and that must change to avoid people being pushed into debt.”

Scottish Labour communities and equalities spokesperson Pauline McNeill said: “These statistics have underlined the urgent need to protect tenants all across Scotland from unfair rent hikes.

“Thousands of tenants have now endured over a decade of rising rents.

“This must end. It’s time for the Scottish Parliament to grab the bull by the horns and stand up for tenants by supporting my Fair Rents ( Scotland) Bill.”

The Scottish Greens have called for ‘ rent pressure zones’ to control rising rents.’ Patrick Harvie MSP for Glasgow region said: “It’s clear the Scottish Government’s limited attempts at rent controls are completely unworkable. We need a comprehensive system of rent controls, which councils including Glasgow can apply to suit local circumstances and protect private tenants from eye- watering rent rises.”

However Scottish Government Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said: “I have written to all private rented tenants in Scotland informing them of the support available to them and their rights, including the right to challenge unfair rent increases.

“We have increased our Discretionary Housing Payment fund, which helps tenants in receipt of benefits, bringing the total from £ 11 million to £ 19m. Next month we will also launch our £ 10m Tenant Hardship Loan Fund, offering interestfree loans that will help some tenants who are struggling with rent because of changes to their finances during the pandemic.