Housing minister Margaret Burgess has announced that a re-elected SNP government will ensure that there is no cost to take a case before the new Housing and Property Tribunal.

In an announcement made to the Scottish Parliament during last night’s passing of the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Bill, the outgoing minister said the move will encourage people to use the system and increase access to justice.

The First-tier Tribunal will provide an accessible, specialist disputes system for tenants and landlords in the private rental sector.

The SNP has already committed to scrap fees for employment tribunals once powers are devolved.

SNP MSP Clare Adamson said: “When disputes between tenants and landlords arise, it’s vital that both sides are able to access an effective, efficient disputes mechanism. The new First-tier Tribunal system will perform that role.

“By guaranteeing that this Tribunal will be free to access, as well as scrapping fees for Employment Tribunals, we send a powerful message about the importance of justice.

“The Private Tenancies Bill will provide tenants with greater security in their homes, predictable rent increases and allows local authorities to apply rent caps in rent pressure zones – making private housing a fairer place to live.

“An SNP government re-elected for a historic third term would put fairness at the heart of our agenda for Scotland and ensure that tenants and workers are able to access justice without cost.”