New laws to protect Scots private tenants welcomed

A NEW bill aimed at giving more security to private tenants has been published by the Scottish Government.

Marchmont, an area popular with Edinburgh-based students renting, will be set to benefit from the Scottish Government's new legislation. Picture: TSPL

Representing the biggest move forward in private tenancy law in the last quarter of a century the bill has been welcomed by housing charities and organisations.

The Private Tenancies Bill, will introduce an open-ended tenancy for private renters, prevent rents from rising more than once per year and will include provisions for controls in high rent hotspots. It is expected to be passed before the Scottish Parliament dissolves for the 2016 election.

Housing minister Margaret Burgess said: “The changes outlined in this bill will give tenants greater security and stability.”