You should not be pushed into poverty simply by paying for the roof over your head, yet this is the case throughout Scotland and tenants must act now to pressure the Scottish government into reinstating a cap on rent increases immediately. 

People have lost so much as we struggle through the cost of living crisis and one of the few safety nets, the cap on our landlords abilities to make unaffordable increases in our monthly rent, has been pulled from beneath us. 

It is absolutely crucial that the cap on rent increase is reinstated immediately. We, like thousands of others across Scotland, now live with the anxiety of not knowing whether this years rent increase is going to force us from our homes. This is unacceptable. 

It is a privilege to own a second home or property that you rent out. The decent landlords, of which there are many, should support this action as the destitution of renters is something that no one should seek to have proximity to.  

The houses themselves may belong to others, but they are OUR HOMES. We have made a life under these roofs - our careers, friendships, mental and physical wellbeing are all tied to the place that we live. 

Whilst the Scottish Housing Bill is en route and claims to strengthen tenants rights and prevent homelessness, it is still two years away from being implemented and when it does arrive, considering the recent news that the Scottish Government has chosen to remove the rent increase cap, we anticipate significant dilution of an already Watered down version of tenants rights. 

Does the Scottish Government acknowledge the irony found, when we compare the governments aims against it actions?

 If the housing bill really does aim to strengthen tenants rights and prevent homelessness, then why plunder tenants rights NOW?

We demand that First Minister John Swinney acknowledges the pressure that removing rent increases controls will have on the already exhausted renters across Scotland and takes action NOW to prevent this, by preserving the current rent increase cap, or indeed by lowering it to 6%. John, your home offers you safety and security - it’s a haven from the difficulties found in each day, a place to rejoice, a place to reflect, a place to grow. Now imagine losing that roof and those walls and really consider what that means to people who are already on the brink of being priced out of their homes, cities, towns and villages. Access to the housing market, for renters, is contingent on the ability to save - for many, due to their soaring rents, this is impossible. 

We demand that the decision to remove the rent increase cap is reversed.

If you would like to help Rent Strike Scotland, please considering sharing our petition. 

You can contact us by email at rentstrikescotland@outlook.com

Warm wishes to you all - lets build a better future for renters by sticking together. No one should feel alone or powerless.