Disadvantaged tenants must not be left behind as overall improvements for private tenants disguise the problems experienced by the worst off, according to a new report published today (Tuesday).
The report, from Consumer Focus Scotland and Shelter Scotland, welcomes the revival of private renting as a housing option in the last ten years and it praises good landlords.
But it also points out that consumers with least power, such as those on low incomes or migrant workers, have not enjoyed the same benefits. For example, tenants who are disadvantaged are still more likely to cite problems with the high cost of rents, security of tenure and tenancy deposits.
Now the two groups are calling on the Scottish Government to step up its support for private tenants, particularly as it considers a wider consultation on the private rented sector. They are also urging all policy makers across Scotland to ensure disadvantaged tenants are focused on.
The report – Improving the private rented sector in Scotland for the benefit of consumers - looks at the key issues facing consumers in the sector, particularly disadvantaged ones. And it makes a series of recommendations on actions to improve the experience of those living in private rented accommodation.
Douglas White, Senior Policy Advocate, Consumer Focus Scotland, Scotland’s consumer champion, said: “The private rented sector is an increasingly important provider of housing in Scotland and has enjoyed welcome attention from policy-makers in recent years. If the sector is to develop further, then it is vital that the interests of private tenants, especially those who are disadvantaged in some way, are fully taken into account in the relevant policy debates.”
“We are already working with the Scottish Government and stakeholders to take forward many of the issues highlighted in our report. But there is still more that can be done which is why we are making this call for further action.”
Gordon MacRae, Head of External Relations, Shelter Scotland, housing and homelessness charity, said: “A good test of any policy is what it does to help people who have least power in the market. This report shows that while the average tenant might be getting a better service, the private rented sector is still very varied, with some of the best standards alongside some of the worst. Over the next few years, more attention has to be paid to improving services for those currently getting a raw deal.”
The paper’s recommendations include:
- conducting further research on the types of tenancies desired by the most disadvantaged consumers;
- exploring in more detail the links between the private rented sector and homelessness;
- putting in place a tenancy deposit scheme to give better protection to tenants;
- undertaking more work to improve energy efficiency in the sector;
- using existing mechanisms for working with landlords to reduce some of the difficulties that tenants can experience with energy supply;
- taking a comprehensive approach to providing tenants with the information that they need about their rights and responsibilities; and
- evaluating current initiatives that are designed to improve the protection of tenants in the private rented sector.
The paper itself can be downloaded as a PDF file by clicking here
Notes to editors
- Around 230,000 households in Scotland live in private rented accommodation, accounting for approximately 8% of all households across the country.
- It estimated that around a quarter to a third of tenants in the private rented sector in Scotland may be classed as disadvantaged. This includes those living on low incomes, students who receive limited parental support, migrant workers, tenants in tied housing, those who have moved into the PRS after being evicted from the social rented sector or having their home repossessed and formerly homeless households who have been housed in the private rented sector.
- Shelter Scotland believes everyone should have a home. The charity helps 170,000 people a year across the UK fight for their rights, get back on their feet, and find and keep a home. They also tackle the root causes of Scotland’s housing crisis by campaigning for new laws, policies and solutions.
- Consumer Focus Scotland is rooted in over 30 years of work promoting the interests of consumers, particularly those who experience disadvantage in society. We work for consumers in aspects of their lives: as council tenants, householders, patients, parents, solicitors’ clients, public transport users, bank depositors and borrowers, postal service users and as shoppers.
Media Contact
For more information about the report or to arrange an interview, please contact Ryan Norton, Communications Manager, Consumer Focus Scotland, on 0141 227 1852.