Legislation Freezing Rents & Evictions Passed in Scotland

The Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022 was been passed by the Scottish Parliament last week.

The Scottish Government says the Act temporarily:

• Restricts landlords from increasing the amount of rent they can charge private and social tenants, as well as for student accommodation.

• Places certain restrictions on enforcement of evictions from residential tenancies.

• Balances these restrictions with safeguards for those landlords who may be facing particular cost pressures or financial hardship.

The rent cap, which applies to in-tenancy rent increases, has initially been set at 0% from 6 September 2022 until at least 31 March 2023. Ministers have the power to vary the rent cap while it is in force.

Enforcement of eviction orders resulting from the cost crisis are prevented over the same period except in a number of specified circumstances, and damages for unlawful evictions have been increased to a maximum of 36 months’ worth of rent.

The measures can be extended over two further six-month periods.

You can view more information on the Act here

https://www.mygov.scot/rent-cap-landlords

https://www.mygov.scot/eviction-pause-landlords

If you are landlord speak to your Bell Ingram Land Manager about how the emergency legislation will affect you.