Domestic abusers to be removed from social housing under law change

Regulations before the Scottish Parliament would allow social landlords to ask courts to remove people believed to be abusive from tenancy agreements, and ministers say the rules would take effect from 1 August if approved by MSPs.

New regulations laid before the Scottish Parliament would let social landlords seek court orders to remove people believed to be abusive from tenancy agreements. The measures bring into force tenancy provisions that were included in the Domestic Abuse (Protection) Scotland Act 2021 but not enacted earlier. Ministers say the change is intended to make it easier for some survivors to remain in their homes without having to move away. Housing Secretary Mairi McAllan confirmed the regulations will be taken forward. Key points: - Social landlords could apply to the courts to remove people believed to be abusive from tenancy agreements. - The regulations would activate tenancy provisions from the Domestic Abuse (Protection) Scotland Act 2021 that were not previously in force. - Ministers have said the rules would apply from 1 August if MSPs approve the regulations laid before Parliament. - Scottish Women's Aid welcomed the change and noted that housing is a major challenge for women leaving abusive relationships. Summary: If approved by MSPs, the change would allow social landlords to use the courts to change tenancy arrangements so that alleged perpetrators can be removed rather than forcing survivors to leave. Officials present the move as a way to help some survivors stay in their homes while addressing abusive behaviour. The next formal step is parliamentary consideration of the regulations; implementation is reported as intended from 1 August if the regulations are approved.