Renfrewshire North and West MSP Natalie Don has welcomed the extension of measures to protect tenants through the cost-of-living crisis.

A 3% rent cap and additional eviction protections will remain in place for a period of up to six months following a vote by members of the Scottish Parliament.

The Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) Act was introduced in October 2022 to protect tenants against the impacts of rising costs and was then extended for six months from April 2023. 

The Scottish Parliament has now voted for a final extension, meaning the rent cap and eviction protections will be in place until March 2024 at the latest.

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This will mean most in-tenancy private rent increases will continue to be capped at 3% for any 12-month period.

Alternatively, private landlords can apply for increases of up to 6% to help cover certain increases in costs in a specified time period where these costs can be evidenced.

Enforcement of evictions will continue to be paused for six months for most tenants, except in a number of specified circumstances.

Increased damages for unlawful evictions of up to 36 months' worth of rent will continue to be applicable.

Social rented sector tenants are protected by the voluntary agreement reached with social landlords on below-inflation rent increases for this financial year.

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Ms Don said many people who rent their homes in Renfrewshire North and West were facing "real difficulties".

The SNP politician added: "I am pleased to see an extension of these protections, which will ensure that the majority of tenants have much-needed stability in their rental payments while they keep the same tenancy. 

"The Scottish Government have also included safeguards for landlords. The option of increasing rents by 6% in specified circumstances is supporting landlords to meet some of the increased costs associated with their let property. Meanwhile, the social housing sector has agreed their rents in consultation with their tenants.

"This is the final time that these measures will be extended, and the government will continue to keep them under review, making sure that they are justified and proportionate based on the pressures both tenants and landlords are experiencing."