Edinburgh councillors support rent controls.

The City of Edinburgh Council has taken a significant step by endorsing a motion in favour of rent controls, becoming the first local authority to do so following the introduction of the Scottish Government’s new Housing Bill.

The legislation, currently in the initial stage of the parliamentary process, mandates local councils to conduct assessments on the condition of the private rental sector and propose recommendations to ministers regarding the implementation of rent controls.

The crucial vote on rent controls is scheduled to take place in parliament in November.

Last November, the City of Edinburgh Council declared a housing emergency, citing the mounting pressure of soaring rents and a severe shortage of social housing. Over the past decade, rents in the capital have surged by 88.5%, overshadowing the 45.7% inflation rate during the same period. The social housing waiting list in the city stands at a staggering 24,000 people.

A motion presented to the full council garnered support with 36 votes yesterday.

Green councillor for Morningside, Ben Parker, who tabled the motion, expressed, “Rent controls are a crucial component in the battle for every individual in Edinburgh to have access to a safe and secure home. There was extensive discussion during the council meeting today about the past failures of housing policies like the ill-fated right-to-buy scheme. However, rent controls have been proven effective in the past and will aid us in addressing the city’s current housing crisis.”

Parker added, “It is only logical for the council to advocate for rent controls to address the exploitation of tenants by unscrupulous landlords and the market’s failure to self-regulate. The people of Edinburgh require rent controls, and we are pleased that others supported our motion today.”

The tenants’ union, Living Rent, hailed the council’s backing of rent controls as a significant stride towards a housing system prioritising the needs of tenants in Edinburgh.

Eilidh Keay, Edinburgh city chair of Living Rent, remarked, “The councillors’ endorsement of rent controls marks a critical commitment to implementing this policy in Scotland’s capital. Local Authorities will have a key role in enforcing future rent controls, making it imperative that councillors lent their support to the motion.”

Keay stressed, “Edinburgh urgently needs rent controls. Rents have surged by over 80% in the last decade, compelling individuals to choose between staying in their homes or affording their living expenses. Last year’s rent cap fell short and did not apply between tenancies. Tenants direly require a robust rent control system tied to properties, not tenancies, to safeguard their rights.”

She concluded, “As the voice of tenants across Edinburgh and Scotland, we eagerly anticipate collaborating with the council to restore affordability for tenants in Edinburgh.”