There's something going on about the rents

We're encouraging people to sign a petition promoted by Living Rent, responding to our government's consultation with landlords (but not tenants / renters) about exemptions from rent control.

Campaigners from Living Rent say: 'The Scottish Government is currently consulting on exemptions to rent controls contained in  the Housing Bill. If granted, this would see Build to Rent and Mid Market Rent exempted from rent controls, creating a two-tier system when what Scotland needs to see is universal controls which protect all. This would not only be disastrous for  tenants in Build to Rent and Mid Market but it also has the potential to undermine rent controls for all.

'With housing costs being the single largest financial outgoing in most households, any government serious about tackling poverty must properly regulate the private sector to bring rents down. But despite declaring a national housing emergency, the Scottish Government is once again pandering to the demands of the landlord lobby.

'The Scottish Government has emailed every landlord in Scotland to participate in this consultation. As tenants, we have not had that luxury. In response,  we have launched a petition  calling on people across Scotland  to endorse our response to the government consultation and demand that it:

1. Not exempt any properties from rent controls and 

2. Prevent landlords getting rewarded with massive rent hikes for the bare minimum of repairs'. 

Find out more, and sign the petition by clicking here.

Living Rent say: 'We are so close to winning the robust rent controls Scotland’s tenants need - please support us in our fight'.

Many thanks.

Published 13 June 2025. The Scottish Government consultation is open to 18 July, and you can submit a response directly to the civil servants as well as signing the campaign petition.