Housing (Scotland) Bill passes stage 1

Yesterday, in the Scottish Parliament, legislation designed to enhance tenants’ rights and combat homelessness has successfully cleared Stage 1.

The Housing (Scotland) Bill aims to address poverty across Scotland by transforming the rental experience for tenants. Key provisions include the introduction of new tenant rights and a rent control system, implemented in a way that safeguards continued investment in the housing sector.

Additionally, the Bill emphasises proactive homelessness prevention, prioritising improved coordination among services and offering earlier support to those at risk.

Housing Minister Paul McLennan said:

“The Housing (Scotland) Bill will play an important role in helping to tackle poverty by keeping rents affordable and ensuring people can stay in their homes.

“Ensuring everyone has the right to a safe and stable home is essential to the Scottish Government’s priority of ending child poverty and the Bill will play a role in reaching that goal.

“Scotland has led the way in protecting tenants and providing rights for homeless people. The Housing (Scotland) Bill aims to create a rental system that improves the rights of tenants while maintaining investment and provides greater support for people threatened with homelessness.

“I am pleased Parliament has supported the general principles of the legislation, especially on our proposals for a system of rent controls that keep costs lower for tenants.”