'Help Scots Families In Private Accomodation'

A quarter of rented households are families with children, according to a national charity.

That's according to Shelter Scotland, which says the sector must be modernised.

It says 80,000 homes are occupied by parents with youngster, who shouldn't have to worry about eviction if they're good tenants.

The charity wants:

• A modern tenancy agreement that gives both tenants and landlords security
• More stability for people wanting to make rented housing their home
• Flexibility for people who want to stay in their rented home to do so for as long as they want
• A better system for sorting out renting problems
• A structure for more predictable rent rises should they be req

Graeme Brown, Director of Shelter Scotland, say they want to see a private rented sector that is "fit for families and protects all tenants" that provides long-term homes.
 
He said: “Short-term tenancy agreements do not provide the stability and security individuals and, in particular, the more than 80,000 families with children need in order to live a settled life.
 
“Too often we hear of people being moved on, evicted or rents increased unreasonably, forcing people into the disruptive cycle of having to move house - every six months in some cases - preventing them from ever being able to put down strong roots and being part of a community.”
 
“In the 21st century, we need a private rented sector that is modern, stable, flexible, predictable and fair for those individuals and families that call it home.
 
“The benefits of reform would not just be felt by tenants, however.  Landlords too would see a more constant and predictable income with less downtime between rents and happier more stable relationships with their tenants.
 
“That’s why we are asking for people to support our campaign to positively reform the private rented sector and turn it into a place where the increasing numbers of people who rely on it can make a house a home and live with increased security and dignity.”
 
The call comes as the Scottish Government’s consults on proposals to reform tenancies in the private rented sector.