Liberal Democrat councillor Iris Walker has welcomed the announcement that the Scottish Government has agreed to legislate to ensure that letting agents do not charge private tenants unlawful fees.

A recent campaign by Shelter Scotland uncovered numerous cases where tenants were being ripped off by being charged hundreds of pounds for credit checks and inventories which only cost the agents a few pounds to produce. Under the new legislation, charges other than refundable deposits and rent will be deemed illegal.

Iris Walker, Councillor for Westhill and District said: “Private tenants are already penalised in Aberdeenshire by having to pay higher rents due to the buoyant economy. Due to the Scottish Government slashing investment in affordable housing, more and more residents are looking to the private rental sector for accommodation. Any move to ease the financial burden on these families and individuals is most welcome.”