Student Union Officers from across Scotland have succeeded in securing cross-party support for amendments to the Holyrood Housing Bill.
The campaigners have been advocating to include student renters in rent-control regulation and to generally improve living standards for students.
They have now secured support for their amendments across all political parties in the Scottish Parliament.
Renters in PBSA (purpose built student accommodation) and university halls of residence are currently not classed as tenants in the Bill.
This means they are not offered the same rent-control provisions as others renting in the private sector.
PBSA’s are also currently not held to the same landlord accountability standards, meaning small, poorly maintained properties are often overpriced and in disrepair.
The campaigners hope that by including student renters in rent-controlled provisions and holding student renters to account, the livelihood of students across the country will be improved.
Last year, 42 per cent of students went without heating to pay rent.
Also in 2024, the number of students using food banks increased to 19 per cent, compared to 11 per cent the previous year.
Justine Pédussel, campaigner and Union President of the University of Stirling, said: “Students and their parents are sick of subsidising landlords and their not-fit-for-habitation homes.
“With the new Housing Minister, the SNP have the chance to join the other parties in Scottish Parliament and address these inequalities.”
The campaigners also propose abolishing guarantors and protecting students rights to claim back their deposits.
Currently, unclaimed deposits can in some circumstances be claimed by the Scottish Government.
The campaigners found this detail paired with the lack of advocacy for students in the Bill “concerning”.
Karim Hurtig, Vice President for Welfare at the University of Aberdeen Student’s Union, said: “We’re finally seeing student housing rights taken seriously.
“This progress comes after much campaigning from students and strong support from MSPs across party lines nationwide.
“ It shows there’s a real need for a Housing Bill that addresses students’ basic needs.”
Featured Image Credit: Justine Pédussel
Editor-in-Chief.
Twitter/X and BlueSky: @AlexPaterson01
