Anas Sarwar will today call for an emergency rent freeze to be implemented as soon as MSPs return from their summer break next month.
The Scottish Labour leader will set out his party's plan to help people struggling with the cost of living crisis.
A key part will be emergency legislation to impose a freeze on rents for nine months - with the option of extending the policy for up to two years.
Exceptions could be included in the legislation to prevent landlords from facing severe hardship.
A similar proposal put forward by Labour MSP Mercedes Villalba was rejected by SNP and Green ministers earlier this year.
Sarwar said: “The cost-of-living crisis is a national emergency on the scale of the pandemic - and dealing with it requires both of Scotland’s governments moving quickly and decisively.
"That is why Scottish Labour is calling for emergency legislation to be put before the Scottish Parliament now as the starting point for a response to help people without delay.
“We will set out areas now where Holyrood can act urgently to help people now.
“While bills spiral and wages struggle to keep up with inflation, the SNP has the power to help people but they’ve failed to take it.
“Nowhere is that clearer than rising rents, where just months ago ministers rejected calls for a freeze. Cash strapped tenants need help now, and no one should face being evicted because of this crisis.
“But now as people face unimaginable hardship they must think again and make these common sense changes at a time of national crisis.”
Villalba said: "With the cost of living crisis getting worse by the day and fuel bills set to soar this winter, support for a rent freeze could not be more timely.
"The SNP/Green Government must join with Labour on this issue and use its majority at Holyrood to pass an immediate rent freeze when MSPs return after the summer recess."
Scottish politics
It comes as several charities have written to Nicola Sturgeon urging her to take all actions necessary to help people on the lowest incomes.
Organisations including the Trussell Trust, Save the Children, the Poverty Alliance, and the Robertson Trust have called for immediate cash support for families.
Along with doubling the planned “bridging payments” for families with children in receipt of free school meals, the letter’s signatories are also calling for the Scottish Government to introduce further one-off payments to families in receipt of the Scottish Child Payment and Council Tax Reduction as well as a doubling of the Child Winter Heating Assistance.
