Rent increase freeze and eviction ban – update

Following yesterday’s announcement, many landlords have been getting in touch with questions about the rent increase freeze and eviction ban. You are right to be highly concerned about this announcement and the implications of it.

Right now the only information we have is below and as soon as we have details on the practicalities we will update all members.

We consider this announcement to be unacceptable and we are pressing for details immediately. We are currently considering our next steps and what legal action can be taken to protect your interests.

Update: Wednesday 7 September 1230hrs

SAL chief executive John Blackwood met the minister in charge of these policies last night (Patrick Harvie MSP, Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants’ Rights) to demand more details of what these measures will entail.

Astonishingly Mr Harvie was unable to provide any information on how the eviction ban and freeze on rent increases will work. Nor was he able to provide any information on how they will affect rent increase notices already issued or eviction action already commenced.

He advised that the detail is still being worked on by civil servants who will contact us to provide more information “in due course”. Mr Harvie did advise that they are looking at how to support landlords and they are aware that landlords whose tenants’ rent is inclusive of utility bills are facing particular pressure on their finances. We will update members with further information as soon as we have it.

These measures will be in place until at least 31 March 2023 and it was made clear that the freeze on rent increases applies from 6 September 2022.

What can you do just now?
1. Read our next enews update (which we will send to all members as soon as possible)
2. Contact us for individual advice on evictions or rent increases if required, only after you read our next update
3. Encourage any other landlords or letting agents you know, to join our campaign in fighting for your rights.

If you are not yet a member of SAL, please join our association to add your voice, and crucially your membership fee to our campaign. Only by working together as an industry can we fully represent you and all Scottish landlords.

SAL membership information is online here – there are many other benefits to membership, some of which should more than pay you back your membership fee.