Living Rent call on Scottish Government to extend eviction relief period

Tenants’ union Living Rent is calling on the Scottish Government to extend the full eviction ban, which is currently set to expire this month.

Living Rent demonstration

After January 22, private and social tenants around Scotland still face the threat of eviction by their landlord and will be left to fend for themselves during the latest lockdown.

On Monday, MSP for West of Scotland, Ross Greer, asked the First Minister whether the eviction ban - that Living Rent and the Greens successfully campaigned for in December - would be extended in line with furlough.

They argue that forcing people out of their homes in the midst of a pandemic will only worsen the public health crisis. They say that, without secure housing, the public cannot follow stay-at-home orders or self-isolate if they develop symptoms.

They said lockdown will mean a reduction of wages due to the loss of work for many as well as increased heating costs during winter, resulting in significant vulnerability to eviction in the coming months.

The First Minister indicated that she agreed the ban should be extended until April in order to protect tenants from evictions during lockdown.

Maria Torres-Quevedo, Living Rent said: “We urge Housing Minister Kevin Stewart to follow the First Minister's statement and let Scotland lead the way in protecting tenants.

“In the face of public health, housing and financial crises, we must be proactive and protect people from losing their homes. The extension of this ban would show commitment towards building more protections for tenants and a fairer housing system across Scotland.”The Scottish Government has been approached for comment.

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