Tenants from the Water Row development in Govan recently celebrated a massive win after fighting against their second rent increase in just 13 months.
The initial rent increase was served just weeks before the majority of tenants were due to move in. Feeling they had no choice but to proceed with moving in due to their various personal circumstances, many continued to sign the rent agreements. Just 13 months down the line, they received a notification that their rent would be increased again by 10.6%. This meant their total rent rise since first accepting the properties would be 49% (a £300 increase).
This caused a lot of distress and hardship for the tenants and some were forced to move out as they were unable to afford to remain in their flats.
One tenant, Heather, said, “The last five years have been very challenging, especially since I live alone. I moved into the midmarket property to try to ease the financial pressure I’ve been under. The rent increases have been unbelievable. On top of all my other bills increasing and losing the winter fuel allowance, this rent increase is a massive shock to the system. I am also recovering from cancer and the stress was having a huge impact on my health.”
Water Row tenant Caitlin led the initial fight, gathering tenants together to talk about the increases and joining Living Rent. “It was completely unjust”, she said, “no one should have to live in a flat they can’t afford, and I worry that this is going to happen more and more not just in Govan, but across Scotland.”
Residents and members of Living Rent had been due to protest at Govan Cross against the increases on 18 June. However, the evening before the action, the tenants received an email informing them the increase had been reversed. The Water Row Company apologised, and committed to a rent freeze until April 2026, as well as reimbursing rent paid from May 2025 and agreeing to consult on the next rent increase.
Due to the last-minute reversal, Water Row tenants and other Living Rent members gathered to celebrate instead.
This is a huge victory for the residents of Water Row. This shows what happens when tenants come together, get organised and refuse to let their landlords boss them around.
The experience of Water Row tenants highlights the complete lack of regulation or oversight of the mid-market sector. Mid-market rent is supposed to be affordable for people on low incomes: how can these tenants be expected to fork up increases that have increased at the rate of the open market?
Right now, the government is considering mid-market tenancies being exempted from rent controls. These tenants’ experience should highlight just why rent controls are vital for all tenants.
