SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT TO CAP RENT INCREASE- Ministers to designate rent control zones to limit rent increase by council

The Scottish parliament has voted overwhelmingly for “historic” long-term rent controls – a first across the UK – as part of a wide-ranging housing bill that campaigners argue has been “gutted” of its most progressive measures.

The provision for ministers to designate rent control zones, allowing councils to limit rent increases to one percentage point above inflation, up to a maximum rent increase of 6%, was hailed as a “historic step for fixing the rigged housing market” by the Scottish Greens.

They had made rent controls and stronger tenants’ rights a key part of the Bute House agreement, their governing partnership with the SNP that ended in acrimony last year.

Scottish government’s housing minister, Màiri McAllan, had earlier announced that mid-market rent and build-to-let homes, including student accommodation, will be exempt from the cap because of concerns the measure could suppress housebuilding.

The wide-ranging legislation which passed by 89 votes to 28 late on Tuesday night, sets deadlines for landlords to address issues that are hazardous to tenants’ health. The bill also includes stronger support for social tenants facing domestic abuse.