MSPs will today vote on sweeping housing reforms that would make rent controls a permanent feature of Scotland’s rental market.
The move comes despite warnings from landlords and developers that capping rent rises has already reduced housebuilding and driven up costs for tenants.
The SNP’s Housing Bill, backed by the Scottish Greens, would allow councils to cap rent increases at inflation plus one percentage point.
Housing secretary Màiri McAllan insists the system will provide a “gold standard” of protection for tenants and help tackle homelessness, although she has already watered down parts of the plan to avoid stifling investment.
Alongside rent controls, ministers are expected to endorse a Green amendment giving councils the power to impose uncapped council tax rises on second homes and empty properties.
Supporters told The Times this would prevent wealthy buyers from “hoarding” homes in places such as Skye, Arran and Edinburgh, freeing up properties for local families.
However, John Blackwood of the Scottish Association of Landlords warned that measures such as an eviction ban in the first year of a tenancy would be a “gift for rogue tenants” and push more landlords out of the market.
Scottish Conservatives branded rent controls a “reckless obsession” that would worsen the crisis by slashing housing supply.
The legislation is nevertheless expected to pass comfortably, with ministers promising it will strengthen protections against homelessness and rebalance Scotland’s housing system.