Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee 20 May 2025
As are the members who lodged the amendments in this group, the Government is determined to bring forward a system of rent control that supports the stabilisation of rents for tenants while ensuring that there is a balanced approach that provides appropriate protection for the property rights of landlords and supports investment in the development of rented homes. Although some amendments do not quite strike the balance that is needed, I absolutely recognise the importance of the issues that have been raised—in particular, those that have been raised by Maggie Chapman and Emma Roddick—about the need for tenants to understand their rights and be able to enact those should they so wish. I understand in particular the importance of allowing sufficient time for tenants to challenge a rent increase that they feel is not in line with the rules, as Emma Roddick set out.
That is why we lodged Government amendments 399 and 400, in the name of Paul McLennan, which would affect tenants in properties that are not covered by rent control. Those amendments would increase from 21 days to 30 days the period during which a tenant in an area that is not rent controlled or in an exempt property can refer a proposed increase to the rent officer. The amendments are designed to assist tenants to make use of their rights to challenge a rent increase that they see as excessive. I consider that extending the window to 30 days is a proportionate means of achieving that.
I turn to the amendments that have been lodged by members.