Leith Tenants Protest Rent Spike | Edinburgh News

Tenants in Leith, Scotland, are staging protests against a jaw-dropping 25% rent hike at the new Platform apartment complex — a move that’s leaving longtime residents stunned and furious. With over 460 units, Platform’s intermediate market rentals, which were once affordable, now soar from $750 to over $920 per month. Despite 94% public opposition, Scottish government rules from last year exempt these build-to-rent properties from rent controls — a legal loophole tenants say feels unjust. Residents, backed by Living Rent, took to the lobby chanting “homes for people, not for profit,” demanding a sit-down with management. One resident, Robbie Alexander, who’s lived there for 18 months, says he only learned of the hike two months ago and questions why these rentals are excluded from protections. Management defends the increase, citing government guidelines and claiming their apartments still offer value with perks like gyms and co-working spaces — but for tenants, it’s a stark reminder of the growing affordability crisis in Edinburgh. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/b5f25e39f1e03452