A new political poll commissioned by the Scottish Green Party has revealed overwhelming public support for rent controls, with the majority of people calling for stronger measures to protect tenants from rising housing costs. The results reflect growing concerns over affordability, especially during the ongoing cost of living crisis, where many are struggling to keep up with rising bills and everyday expenses.
According to the survey, which was carried out across Scotland, 74% of respondents are in favour of implementing rent controls to ensure landlords cannot continually raise rents. Additionally, 83% of those polled believe that current rents are unreasonably high when compared to average income levels in Scotland. These findings suggest that housing costs are becoming increasingly unsustainable for a large portion of the population.
The poll also found that 69% of people support proposals put forward by the Scottish Greens which would force landlords to sell off long-term vacant properties or land they are holding onto without development. The aim is to make better use of available housing and land, rather than allowing it to sit unused while demand for affordable homes continues to rise.
Scottish Green Party MSP Maggie Chapman has proposed amendments to the Housing (Scotland) Bill that would introduce a formal system of rent controls across the country. These proposals are designed to limit rent increases so they do not rise faster than people’s wages, ultimately giving renters more financial security and stability in the face of an unpredictable housing market.
Chapman emphasised that the reforms prioritise people over profit, ensuring that renters are better supported during difficult economic times. She stated that rent controls would help put money back into the pockets of tenants, rather than allowing landlords to continue profiting from ever-increasing rent demands. For many households, this could make the difference between staying afloat and falling into debt.
She also raised concerns about the behaviour of rogue landlords, who she claims have been allowed to raise rents excessively, pushing many renters to the edge. This not only impacts individual households, potentially leading to poverty or homelessness, but also harms the wider economy, as people have less money to spend on goods and services in their local communities.
The Scottish Greens had previously introduced a temporary rent freeze and eviction ban during the Covid-19 pandemic, which they say saved renters thousands of pounds and offered much-needed relief during an uncertain period. These measures were seen as a lifeline for many, and the Greens have expressed disappointment that such protections were later rolled back by the SNP government.
Chapman concluded by underlining the urgent need for long-term reforms in Scotland’s housing system. With such strong public backing and a growing affordability crisis, the Greens believe now is the time for meaningful action. Their proposals aim to create a fairer housing market, where renters are treated with dignity and landlords are held accountable.
As the Housing Bill progresses through the Scottish Parliament, there is a clear opportunity to bring an end to the exploitation faced by renters across the country. Supporters of the bill are urging lawmakers to act decisively to tackle the issue of rising rents and protect tenants from being priced out of their homes.
Campaigners believe that now is the time to take bold action to address what they see as unjust rent increases. They argue that renters have been subjected to inflated costs for too long, and that the current housing system prioritises landlord profits over people’s wellbeing.
By introducing meaningful reforms, such as rent controls and stronger tenant protections, it’s hoped that families can be given more financial stability and peace of mind. The fear of losing one’s home due to unaffordable rent hikes is a daily concern for many, and campaigners say that should no longer be the norm.
The central message is clear: homes should be places to live, not tools for making a profit. Those pushing for change believe the Housing Bill offers a real chance to reshape the rental market into something fairer, more sustainable, and focused on meeting people’s basic needs.
The goal is to make sudden and excessive rent increases a thing of the past. With the right measures in place, housing can become more affordable and secure, offering a better quality of life for renters throughout Scotland.
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