Living Rent Celebrates Recent Successes

The successful opposition of an attempted eviction in Govanhill is the latest in a series of wins for the tenants union Living Rent.

Image: Living Rent

By Sam Doak

The tenant union Living Rent has achieved a number of successes in the recent months both in the Southside and Scotland more widely. The accomplishments of the organisation demonstrate the effectiveness of union membership and collective action in securing the rights of tenants.  

Most recently, Living Rent, in collaboration with the Govanhill Law Centre, successfully resisted the attempted eviction of a Govanhill resident who had fallen into rent arrears. Over 250 locals signed a petition opposing the eviction and more than 50 members of the community formed a ‘phone tree’ in order to facilitate a rapid response to any attempt to remove him from the property. 

Following a protest outside the landlord’s offices, Govanhill Housing Association agreed to rescind its eviction notice and accept the terms of an affordable payment plan negotiated by Living Rent. This result was hailed as victory by the union, which praised Govanhill residents for their response and solidarity. 

In neighbouring Pollokshields, Living Rent was able to secure a meeting between another local tenant and his landlord after issues that reportedly included a rat infestation and water damage went unaddressed. The Union’s member defence team drafted a letter for the landlord’s consideration and were able to successfully get in touch with them through neighbours in order to arrange this meeting. 

In Scotland more widely, Living Rent celebrated the inclusion of increased tenant protections in the finalised power sharing deal brokered between the SNP and Green Party in August. The deal, which calls for the introduction of rent controls, increased protection from eviction and a restriction on winter evictions, was described by the union on social media as “a massive win for all of us” that has the potential to be “utterly transformative” if implemented correctly.

Information on how to join Living Rent is available here.