Inverclyde Rental Rights Campaign Launched
A campaign to increase awareness of tenants' rights has been launched in Inverclyde.
Housing minister Paul McLennan aims to provide information about where renters can access help and advice.
Latest figures show that there are an estimated 2,429 privately rented dwellings across Inverclyde, accounting for 6.1 per cent of total dwellings in the area.
At a national level, the majority of private tenants - 84 per cent - are satisfied with their housing.
However, research suggests tenants do not always know their rights or feel able to use them when a problem comes up.
Private renters in Scotland have more rights than in other areas of the UK - but research suggests tenants don't always know what those rights are.
Renters in Scotland have the right to ask for a review of a rent increase, and for landlords to give the correct notice period before increasing rent.
They are also protected from illegal evictions or being asked to leave a property without proper notice and have the right to a rented home that is maintained to an acceptable standard.
Mr McLennan (pictured) said: “People who rent their homes in Inverclyde already have strong rights when it comes to rent rises, maintenance and repairs and evictions. This campaign is important to make sure we increase awareness of these rights.
“We also want to highlight the end of the temporary change to rent adjudication on March 31.
"This was put in place to support the transition back to market rent following the temporary cap on rents under the Cost of Living Act.
“Under existing legislation most private tenants continue to have the right to seek a review of a rent increase and I would encourage any tenant who is concerned about this to apply.
“We’re also taking forward measures in the Housing Bill to address the need for longer-term action on rent control and strengthen tenants’ rights where it’s needed.”
Citizens Advice Scotland spokesperson Aoife Derry said: “A safe, secure home is foundational to people’s lives. We see thousands of people coming to our local bureaux seeking advice because they are struggling to afford their rent, as well as landlords who need support.
“The Scottish CAB [Citizens Advice Bureau] network is here to help with free confidential advice for anyone who needs it.
"We need to see a rented sector that works for everyone, where everyone knows their rights and responsibilities, and clear information and access to redress when things go wrong.
“Scotland deserves a rented sector that works for everyone so that more people can stay in their homes.”
This article appeared in The Greenock Telegraph.