Elaine and her son [name] have lived as private tenants in their family home in Hamilton for 13 years. Potential new buyers have taken the opportunity of temporary rent controls being lifted to try and claim that £850 is the suitable market rate for their 2 bed mid terrace ex council house. An increase to this level from the current £550 per month is simply unaffordable for the family and would mean them having to leave their home, and potentially their community. Elaine and her son have not been offered the opportunity of meaningful negotiation on the new level of rent.

Members of Living Rent in the area have researched local average rents, and found that the average locally is £730, a figure which is backed up by the Office for National Statistics. Whilst this would still be a significant rent increase, this is an amount that would be affordable and would mean Elaine and [name] can stay in their home and their community.

We are asking anybody who thinks Elaine and [name] should have the opportunity to negotiate an affordable rent with their new landlord to sign this petition.