Campaign to protect tenants’rights

The Scottish Government has launched anewcampaigntoempowerprivate tenants to know their rights and feel confident that they’re protected by the law.

According to results from an ongoing research programme by RentBetter, many people in North Lanarkshire who rent privately are still unaware of their tenancy rights.

And with the effects of the pandemic, the importance of having safe and good quality housing has been highlighted.

The Scottish Government now wants to highlight key private tenancy rights to ensure tenants are more knowledgeable and feel safe in their ownhome.

By raising awareness of these important rights, and where to go for further advice and support, the campaign aims to support renters to feel more confident in challenging poor or illegal practices if a situation arises.

There are important things private tenants in Lanarkshire should know. These are:

Before deciding to rent a property, it’s important to check that the landlord and/or letting agent are registered to let out property to ensure that they are fit to do so and comply with the law.

It’s very important to only rent from a registered individual or agent and to report any that aren’t.

When it comes to rent increases, the landlord must usually give tenants three months’notice of a rent increase and can only increase rent once every 12 months.

Any unfair rent increases have a right to be challenged through a Rent Officer.

Landlords and letting agents can’t charge tenants admin fees in relation to the grant, renewal or continuance of a protected tenancy.

Landlords must repair and maintain their let property from the tenancy start date and throughout the tenancy.

Landlords must give notice if they want to access the property to inspect its condition or carry out repairs except in an emergency.

If a landlord wishes to end a tenancy, they must give the tenant the correct notice and go through the legal process of doing so.

Illegal eviction is a criminal offence and coronavirus does not change this.

Illegal eviction is when someone, who doesn’t have the legal right to make you leave, forces you to leave your home.

This can include your landlord if they do not have an eviction order from the First-tierTribunal.

In addition to these existing rights, the Scottish Government is consulting on a New Deal forTenants.

This aims to deliver stronger rights, give greater protections against winter eviction, and access to greener, higher-quality housing with more affordable choices.This consultation is open until April 21.

Patrick Harvie, Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, ActiveTravel and Tenants’Rights, said:“The number of private tenants has grown hugely over the last 20 years and there have been many changes to rights and responsibilities.

“But to make sure they get the best possible deal from renting, tenants need to know what their rights are and howtogethelptomakethemworkin their favour.

“That is why I am delighted to launch this campaign.

“Over the next few months, as we move to make renting fairer and more affordable, I am determined that we keep tenants informed, engaged and empowered.

“That is what the New Deal for Tenants is all about.”

For more information on private tenancy rights and to seek support, visit: gov.scot/rentersrights.