A third of private tenants in Scotland find it hard to pay their rent each month, according to a new poll.  

SafeDeposits Scotland Charitable Trust quizzed 1,000 private renters about affordability and found that 24% struggle to pay rent, with 8% finding it very difficult.

It reveals that 49% of tenants regularly make cuts to household essentials such as food, heating and clothing to pay the rent, while 39% struggle to afford their utility bills, rising to 57% for those in the Highlands where properties are often unable to access mains gas.

Despite concerns about affordability, most tenants - at 89% - had not approached Rent Service Scotland or the relevant tribunal to contest unreasonable rent increases.

Temporary rent adjudication measures

Temporary rent adjudication measures in the country ended at the beginning of the month.

If a tenancy started on or after December 1, 2017, rent increases will only be approved once in 12 months, while landlords must now use the prescribed form and provide three months’ notice.

Dr Jennifer Harris, of SafeDeposits Scotland, said improving affordability will require a comprehensive strategy for the sector.

She added: “It needs to include ensuring there are enough homes to rent to meet demand, alongside measures to support tenants’ incomes. This is especially important for all those tenants who face the prospect of their housing benefit rates being frozen.”  

According to the most recent Scottish Government data, 13% of households, or 330,000, across Scotland live in the private rented sector.

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