Edinburgh tenant hits out at rent increasing faster than wages during pandemic

Audrey, who did not wish to use her last name, is a part owner of her property and is required to pay an occupancy charge each month.

She has expressed concern at the rate at which her charge has increased and has said that she feels it is unfair that Dunedin Canmore would consider consultations on rent and occupancy charges during a global pandemic.

Audrey said: “Dunedin Canmore are a disgrace for even thinking about a rent consultation at a time of such hardship.

"Our occupancy charge has gone up year on year by around three percent but any complaint is met with a pro format letter telling you how wonderful they are doing and their cost rises.

“My wages in 21 years have never gone up by three percent. Never, and even in the years I've had a wage rise, usually between 0.5 - 1.5 percent, my rent has gone up three percent, and my council tax has gone up too. My utilities go up and sometimes my bus pass. Diesel always goes up and any insurance we have goes up. Maintenance goes up despite them doing so little.”

Living Rent, a Scottish tenancy union, has begun to undertake their own consultancy with tenants across Scotland.

They have said it is necessary to build a consensus to be able to challenge landlords who are increasing rents and occupancy at a faster rate than inflation.

From 2019-2020, rents for tenants of Dunedin Canmore rose by 3.4 percent and a current consultation is under way for residents to provide feedback on whether they would like to see rent increases of 1.7 or 2.2 percent - though residents also have the option to state that they disagree with both proposals.

A spokesperson for Dunedin Canmore said: “No decision on rent or occupancy charges has been made yet. Our Board is due to meet later this month to consider very carefully all the feedback we received from tenants during a six-week consultation.

“This year we consulted tenants on an option to increase rents by 1.7 percent which would enable us to keep delivering all the services, support, and planned investment in homes and communities customers have told us are important to them.

"Tenants were also asked for their views on a second option which would see rents go up by 2.2 percent to enable additional investment in services, homes and communities. As always, people also had an opportunity to say if they disagreed with both proposals.

“If anyone has any difficulty in paying their rent at any time, we will support them through our wide range of wraparound services including help to access all the benefits they’re due and advice on cutting their fuel bills.”

Harry Brennan from Living Rent, said: “Despite the economic hardships which have hit tenants since March 2020, many social landlords across Scotland are still proposing annual rent and occupancy charge increases.

"To give tenants a louder voice and a true choice amidst the ongoing pandemic, Living Rent is calling for a rent freeze and running its own tenant-led consultation on increases.”

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