Landlords who fail to maintain their properties could soon be barred from raising rents under new plans backed by the Scottish Greens.
Maggie Chapman MSP has proposed changes to the upcoming Housing (Scotland) Bill to stop landlords hiking rents on homes that fall below basic standards.
These standards, which will be set by Ministers, would cover key areas like repairs, energy efficiency and general quality.
If approved, the changes would be a major boost for renters across the country, many of whom are currently paying high rents for poor conditions.
Ms Chapman says the new rules would end the culture of landlords cashing in while leaving tenants to suffer in unsafe or cold homes.
She accused so-called rogue landlords of “rinsing renters” while failing to carry out essential upgrades or maintenance.
For too long, she argues, the power has been in the hands of landlords who neglect properties yet still demand ever-higher payments.
The amendments would shift that power, with penalties for landlords who do not meet legal standards.
She warned that too many homes in Scotland are simply not fit to live in.
Her call is not just for tighter laws but also for active enforcement to ensure landlords play by the rules.
If passed, the measures would mean rent increases can only be made once a property is confirmed to be up to scratch.
The Greens believe this will help ensure every household has a warm, safe and affordable place to live.
Ms Chapman is also targeting Scotland’s derelict properties and empty land, which could be unlocked to tackle housing shortages.
A second set of proposals would give Local Authorities powers to force sales or rentals of abandoned buildings and unused land.
These powers would not require councils to buy the properties themselves but would allow them to intervene and ensure they are used for housing.
The move echoes demands made by groups like Shelter, who say such steps are vital for addressing homelessness and boosting housing supply.
Ms Chapman says that homes must be lived in, not left to rot while people remain without shelter.
She believes thousands of homes could be unlocked this way, easing pressure on struggling renters and families.
Scotland’s housing crisis, she argues, demands bold and immediate action.
She insists that her proposals are a step towards rebalancing a broken system.
The Green MSP says this is about fairness, dignity, and ensuring homes serve the people who need them.
She hopes cross-party support will see these measures become law in the coming months.
