Renters in Scotland afforded greater protections as new coronavirus legislation extends notice periods to up to six months

Measure included in the Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill that was passed unanimously in the Scottish Parliament yesterday

Renters in Scotland are to be afforded greater protections with the extension of notice periods under the Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill.

Schedule 1 (introduced by section 2) to the Bill - which was passed unanimously in the Scottish Parliament yesterday - extends the notice periods for the majority of repossession grounds across both private and social rented sectors to up to six months.

NB - Section 11 of the Bill provides for these measures to expire on 30 September 2020 unless the Scottish Parliament extends this date, by way of regulations, to 31 March 2021 or 30 September 2021.

Commenting on the Bill, Constitution Secretary Michael Russell said - 

'Scotland is facing an unprecedented situation. This emergency Bill delivers necessary powers that will allow us to prioritise tackling the coronavirus pandemic.

People across the country have responded magnificently as we work together to save lives. It is in that spirit of co-operation and consensus that we have worked across Parliament to pass these vital - time-limited - measures,

By unanimously passing this Bill the Parliament has ensured practical help will be given to many businesses and to people struggling financially because of the crisis.'

For more information see MSPs support Emergency Coronavirus Bill from gov.scot