Landlords found guilty of illegal evictions could face up to two years in prison if proposed Labour laws are passed in Scotland.
Katy Clark, a Labour Member of the Scottish Parliament and former Labour MP at Westminster, has introduced amendments to the current legislation being discussed in Edinburgh, which was initially written by the governing Scottish National Party.
Speaking to the Daily Record newspaper in Scotland, Clark said, “Illegal evictions, where rogue landlords force tenants out of their homes, remain widespread in Scotland. The existing law does not provide enough protection for renters against this outrageous practice.” She continued, “It’s incredibly difficult for tenants to prove illegal evictions, which all too often allows rogue landlords to get away with forcibly evicting renters.”
Clark has been vocal about the issue of illegal evictions, which she describes as a widespread problem in Scotland. She believes that rogue landlords who force tenants out of their homes are getting away with it due to the existing laws being inadequate.
“The penalties for this offence are also unbelievably lenient,” she remarked, stressing that current punishments are not enough to deter the bad actors in the rental market. She argues that these lenient penalties are part of the reason why many landlords feel they can act with impunity, knowing they may not face serious consequences for their actions.
According to Clark, there is a pressing need for change. She has called for an urgent strengthening of the law to increase the criminal sanctions imposed on landlords who engage in such practices. She believes that a tougher stance is required to ensure tenants are better protected from eviction abuses.
Clark also advocates for the introduction of longer jail sentences, particularly for the worst offenders. “It has to include the possibility of lengthy jail sentences for the worst kinds of ‘slum’ landlords who forcibly evict vulnerable and poverty-stricken tenants,” she said. This, she believes, would send a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated.
The issue of illegal evictions, particularly in the case of vulnerable individuals, has long been a concern in Scotland. Clark has consistently stated that the current legal protections are insufficient, making it difficult for tenants to prove their cases. Many tenants find themselves in a precarious position, often with little recourse to challenge unlawful eviction attempts.
In conclusion, Clark argues there is no justification for failing to strengthen the law and take decisive action against rogue landlords. “There’s absolutely no excuse for failing to strengthen the law to crack down on this abuse in the rental sector,” she added, reinforcing her position that immediate changes are necessary to protect tenants and ensure accountability in the housing market.
A Scottish Government spokesperson provided an update to the newspaper, confirming that significant changes have been proposed to the Housing (Scotland) Bill. These amendments focus on increasing the penalties for wrongful termination of tenancy agreements. The aim is to make the consequences for landlords who unlawfully evict tenants more severe.
The proposed changes are part of a broader effort to strengthen the legal framework surrounding unlawful evictions. By increasing the penalties, the government hopes to discourage landlords from engaging in such illegal practices, ensuring that tenants are better protected from wrongful evictions.
Additionally, the amendments align with a strengthened approach to unlawful eviction damages. This means that landlords found guilty of illegal evictions would face greater financial consequences, helping to further deter rogue landlords from taking advantage of vulnerable tenants.
These amendments have already been lodged at stage 2 of the Housing (Scotland) Bill. At this stage, they will be carefully considered by the Local Government, Housing, and Planning Committee, which will review the proposed changes and assess their potential impact on both tenants and landlords.
The committee’s role will be critical in determining whether these proposed changes strike the right balance between protecting tenants’ rights and ensuring fairness for landlords. They will scrutinise the amendments in detail, considering whether additional modifications or improvements are necessary before the bill moves forward.
The Scottish Government spokesperson emphasised that these amendments are a key part of their strategy to tackle unlawful eviction practices and provide greater protections for tenants. By addressing the issue head-on, they aim to create a rental market where tenants can feel secure in their homes, knowing that their rights are being upheld.
Once the amendments have been reviewed by the committee, the next steps will be determined based on the committee’s recommendations. This process will ensure that any changes made to the Housing (Scotland) Bill are in line with the government’s commitment to fair housing practices.
In the coming weeks, stakeholders such as tenant advocacy groups, landlords, and housing policy experts will closely monitor the progress of the bill. Their input will be essential in shaping the final version of the legislation, which is expected to have a significant impact on rental practices in Scotland.
Download NOW
4 Simple Steps To Becoming Wealthy Through Property