New polling reveals more than eight-in-ten Scots (82 per cent) who expressed an opinion support the introduction of rent controls. The polling also finds that, excluding “don’t knows”, only seven per cent of Scots strongly oppose the introduction of rent controls in Scotland. 

The polling, conducted by YouGov, asked 1,117 adults in Scotland the extent to which they support or oppose the introduction of rent controls in Scotland. The results show that – irrespective of age, gender, social class, voting history, or region – the majority of Scots support the Scottish Government setting caps on what private landlords can charge. 

 

The findings excluding “don’t knows” reveal that:

 

82 per cent of people in Scotland support the introduction of rent controls, with 43 per cent of Scots, “strongly supporting” rent controls, and further 39 per cent saying they “tend to support” them. 

 

Support for rent controls is high across political parties. Support is highest among 2019 SNP voters (90 per cent) and Labour voters (88 per cent). 61 per cent of Conservative voters support rent controls.[2]

 

Support for rent controls is highest in South Scotland (89 per cent), Mid Scotland & Fife (87 per cent) and Glasgow (86 per cent), followed by Highland & Islands (82 per cent), Central (81 per cent) and Edinburgh & Lothians (80 per cent). Regional support is lowest in West Scotland (76 per cent) and North East Scotland (76 per cent)

 

Only a small minority of Scots (less than 18 per cent) oppose rent controls, with 11 per cent “tending to oppose” them and 7 per cent being “strongly opposed” to them. 

 

The polling coincides with the progression of the Housing (Scotland) Bill, which aims to prevent homelessness and strengthen tenants' rights, and which would introduce rent control areas if signed into law. 

 

Commenting on the polling, Miriam Brett, co-director of Future Economy Scotland, said: 

 

“In sharp contrast to the loud objections from those profiting from unaffordable rents, this polling demonstrates that rent controls have consistent and widespread support across all sectors of Scottish society. 

 

“Scotland faces an acute rural and urban housing crisis, the causes of which are multifaceted, from the dramatic rise of short-term lets and second homes to sky-rocketing rents. Soaring rents have eroded living standards across Scotland, contributing to poverty, homelessness, household debt and hunger. It would be unconscionable to continue down this path.

 

“The inclusion of rent controls in the Housing (Scotland) Bill represents an important step towards understanding the need for redistributive market interventions. Evidence from around the world shows that rent controls, if carefully designed and implemented, can improve housing affordability without creating the kind of negative consequences claimed by vested interests. It is imperative at this critical juncture that all MSPs put tenants’ rights, economic security and living standards at the heart of decision making.” 

 

 

 

[1] The polling data was first covered exclusively by the Daily Record on 30 August.

 

[2] All polling was conducted by YouGov. The sample size was 1,117 adults in Scotland. Fieldwork was undertaken on 14-18 June 2024, with rent controls defined as “the government setting caps on what private landlords can charge”. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all adults in Scotland. 

 

[3] Party allegiance is based on how people say they voted at the 2019 UK general election. 

 

[4] The Housing (Scotland) Bill, presented to the Scottish Parliament on 27 March 2024, proposes powers to create rent control zones in some geographic areas where rent increases would be capped during and in-between tenancies, for periods of up to five years. If enacted, the bill would oblige local authorities to carry out periodic assessments of the private rental market in their areas, and to make recommendations to Scottish ministers about the locations of rent control areas. 

 

[5] The Scottish Government declared a housing emergency on 15 May 2024. Ten Scottish local local authorities – Angus, Argyll & Bute, Dumfries & Galloway, Edinburgh City, Glasgow City, Fife, Scottish Borders, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire and West Lothian – have also declared housing emergencies.

 

[6] The average rent for a residential property in Scotland was £1,097 a month in 2023, a 12.9 per cent increase on 2022, according to Citylets. Average rents have risen by 42.3 per cent since 2018, and by nearly 62 per cent since 2013. 

 

[7] Future Economy Scotland is a non-partisan think tank that aims to create a new economy that is democratic, sustainable and just. The organisation does not have a formal stance on Scotland’s constitutional future, and is not aligned to any political party or any politician. The organisation is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee operating with charitable principles. For more information visit: www.futureeconomy.scot 

 

[8] To request an interview with a spokesperson or for any other questions please contact press@futureeconomy.scot or call Miriam Brett on 07428 192437 or Ian Fraser on 07803 970393