SCOTLAND’S tenants’ union Living Rent have warned the First Minister against “buckling under the immense lobbying power of landlords and property investors,” as he consults on plans to “water down” rent control proposals.

According to Scottish government figures, average rents for two-bedroom homes across Scotland rocketed by 61.3 per cent between 2010 and 2024, a situation the union argues has exacerbated the cost-of-greed crisis afflicting working-class people amid spiralling energy and food prices.  

The SNP administration had pledged to deliver rent controls by the end of this parliamentary term, but with less than 10 months left, permanent controls are still to be enacted and plans contained in the Housing (Scotland) Bill now risk being made “functionally useless,” according to Living Rent.

The Scottish government is consulting on exempting build-to-rent, mid-market properties and properties that have been renovated from rent controls.

Living Rent — backed by the STUC, Unison, Unite, GMB, RMT, UCU, and PCS — have written to Mr Swinney to demand a rethink.

It said: “The situation for renters in Scotland has reached a crisis point.

“Scotland is in the middle of a housing emergency, as recognised by the government, with working-class people bearing the brunt.

“At the same time, Scotland’s landlords and their lobbyists are working hard to water down rent controls and make them functionally useless.

“We need to see bold, urgent action from your government now.”

Slamming proposals which would allow above-inflation rent increases as “nothing but greed,” the group added: “In a just and fair Scotland, housing should be for the good of the people, not an asset to be exploited by landlords.

“In whose interest does your government want to be seen to serve?

“Scotland’s tenants deserve better than to be left at the mercy of a housing market driven by greed and inequality.”

Living Rent’s national campaigns officer Ruth Gilbert said:  “Landlords have been getting away with hiking up rent for too long.

“Exemptions will give landlords even more of a licence to line their pockets whilst tenants suffer.”

A Scottish government spokesperson said the consultation was “part of our ongoing engagement with those who will be impacted.”

“The responses will help to strike the right balance between protecting tenants and the rights of landlords, while continuing to support investment in rented homes — essential to combat the housing emergency.”