Social housing tenants in Partick protest against 7% increase in rents
Living Rent says that this is pushing some of Scotland’s most vulnerable into poverty due to them not being able to afford a rent increase
Social tenants in Partick say they cannot afford increases to monthly payments, with a freeze on rents due to end tomorrow.
They protested outside of Partick Housing Association (PHA) offices in response to a 7% increase in social rents, which they say is disproportionate to the level of services that they will receive.
PHA tenants also feel that they have not been adequately consulted on the increase.
Tenants union, Living Rent, members and PHA tenants say that many did not know the consultation was taking place and that the consultation had low attendance.
Three tenants attended the in-person face-face consultations and 215 tenants responded to their questionnaire; 12% of the 1,800 tenants in PHA housing.
Living Rent says that this is pushing some of Scotland’s most vulnerable into poverty due to them not being able to afford a rent increase.
'Adds insult to injury'
Scott Falconer, PHA tenant and Living Rent Membersaid: "As a Partick Housing Association tenant it’s galling to be facing a 7% rent hike based on the consultation of only 215 tenants, when our landlord owns 1800 homes.
"Of those 215, Partick Housing haven’t even stated how many supported this hike - which is amongst the highest in Scotland.
"And it adds insult to injury that having had this rent hike imposed we are now being offered handouts for electricity and food as though we are charity cases.
'Appalling'
Rhona Karangarajah, PHA tenant and Living Rent Member said: "For the state of the building I live in - Fortrose House - a rent increase is absolutely appalling.
"The building isn’t water tight and is damp as a result, and has been all round neglected.
"It was an award winning building at one point, but it has been left to go to ruin. So it is entirely unacceptable for Partick Housing Association to impose a 7% rent hike on us."
PHA response
A spokesperson for Partick Housing Association said: "We understand that many of our customers may be worried about the cost of living and increased rents.
"We work closely with our tenants and do our best to support those who need help or have financial worries.
"The Association, like others, is also facing financial challenges with increasing costs and has had to make difficult decisions this year.
"Having consulted our tenants, we have balanced the needs of customers to continue delivering key services and investing in homes while keeping our rents affordable.
"Our rent increase this year is lower than the inflation rate.
"From November 2022 to January 2023, we held various engagement events and encouraged our tenants to get involved in our rent consultation.
"We would encourage any tenants who are worried about their rent to get in touch with us."