ONE of Irvine’s MSPs has welcomed new Holyrood legislation on housing’s private rental sector.

Margaret Burgess says the new legislation will mean a step change in improving the quality of private renting in North Ayrshire and across Scotland.

The Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Bill was designed for there to be one type of tenancy for the sector as well as protecting tenants from excessive hikes.

And this week Mrs Burgess, who also serves as Housing Minister, says the bill will help deliver a “better, more professional” sector.

Speaking this week, the Cunninghame South MSP said: “The bill provides the opportunity for local authorities to implement rent caps in areas where there are excessive increases.

“Local authorities will be able to apply for rent pressure zone designation, where rent increases in a local area have a detrimental impact on tenants and housing.

“The measure will help to meet Scotland’s housing needs, and provide a modern tenancy that reflects the changes to the private rented sector in recent years.

“It will also help to make rents more predictable, with adjudication provided where individual rent increases take a tenant’s rent beyond the local market rate.

She added: “I believe that the new tenancy and the provisions on rents will provide a step change in improving the quality of private renting.

“The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring every person in Scotland has a safe and warm place to stay, and achieving a sustainable, long-term solution to addressing housing affordability.

“The range of measures brought forward under this bill will ensure the sector is better managed, simplified and successful.

“The new tenancy will provide security for tenants with proper safeguards for landlords.

“This Bill is absolutely key to achieving a better, more professional private rented sector.”