Minister promises to ask ‘searching questions’ about Scots rent rise and evictions freeze

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The Scottish government has vowed that an upcoming review will ask searching questions about the current repossession grounds in the wake of its emergency soc-called rent rise and evictions freeze.

Speaking on the Scottish Housing News podcast, tenants’ rights minister Patrick Harvie (main image) said the review would also look at the issue of how – under the rent freeze and eviction ban – a lender who takes ownership of a property after a landlord goes bust, can evict sitting tenants.

He explained that although this could not be addressed under emergency legislation, it could be considered in the Housing Bill which is due in 2023.

Pleasantly surprised

Harvie said he believed the sector had been pleasantly surprised at protections put in place for landlords, such as being given the opportunity to repossess a home if they needed to sell or move in because of their own hardship.

“We didn’t say no evictions because…it’s not in the interest of either landlord or tenant to build up arrears,” said Harvie. “They may need direct financial support, otherwise some tenants might stop paying rent altogether.”

But he added concerns about possible immediate rent increases had led it not to consult before making the announcement.

“It would have done more harm than good. Sadly, there have been those who have been trying to abuse the current power imbalance – we felt it was essential to give tenants protection from that.”

Harvie said the government would judge the current rent freeze and evictions bans – based on economic circumstances – to decide whether it could justify their suspension, expiry, continuation or whether it should operate differently in the PRS and social sectors.

Read a complete guide to evictions.

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