THOUSANDS of people who stay in privately rented accommodation in Inverclyde are being urged to know their rights before the emergency rent cap and additional evictions protections come to an end from April 1.

Latest figures show that there are an estimated 2,429 privately rented dwellings across Inverclyde, making up just over six per cent of total dwellings in the area.

A new awareness raising campaign is highlighting tenants' rights and what they should expect from their landlords.

These include the right to ask for a review of a rent increase, protection from being asked to leave a property without proper notice and ensuring the rented home is maintained to an acceptable standard

Citizens Advice Scotland spokesperson Emma Jackson said: “It’s so important that people understand their rights around private rents once the rent cap ends. If you think your landlord has put up the rent by too much after 1 April you can apply to Rent Service Scotland to see if it is a fair rise.

“The reality is the cost-of-living crisis has left a lot of people struggling to afford essential bills like energy and rent, and the Citizens Advice network can help with broader advice to increase how much money you have coming in each month or cutting bills.”