Drawn up by Pauline McNeill MSP, the new ‘Student Charter’ seeks to ensure that the difficulties faced by students during the pandemic are not repeated and would put power in the hands of students themselves.

The charter states: 

• Students are entitled to decent warm affordable accommodation during their study period.
• Student rents should be subject to regulatory control through the Fair Rents Bill.
• Students have the right to represent their housing-related grievances to universities and landlords.
• The University and Higher Education sector should hold student accommodation for students with disabilities.
• Students have the right and should be encouraged to form tenants’ unions.
• Students should be encouraged to set up housing co-operatives.
• Students should be protected from exploitative practices and their health and safety be ensured during the COVID pandemic.

Scottish Labour said that the pandemic has demonstrated the urgent need for a shake-up of the housing sector to put power in the hands of tenants.

Ms McNeill said: “This pandemic has demonstrated the gross inequalities that persist in our society, particularly around housing.

“Thousands of students were herded back into expensive private accommodation in September, only to be marooned once they arrived with many still trying to claw back rent from private landlords.

“We found out last week that students will return in a phased way from January so many will be paying rent for accommodation that they will initially not be able to live in. So it is vital that more is done to protect them and ensure that they are able to access appropriate and affordable accommodation.

“Going forward, this charter would empower students by encouraging the formation of tenants’ unions and housing co-operatives. Students will also be covered by the protections against inflation-busting rent hikes included in my Fair Rents Bill.

“We can’t have students left defenceless against the forces of the housing market. It’s time to adopt these proposals and empower students across Scotland.”