Housing (Scotland) Act 2025

The Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 introduces a range of changes designed to strengthen tenants' rights and protections.

Some changes are already in place, while others will come into effect over the next few years.

This page explains the key changes that affect housing association tenants and where you can get help or advice if you need it.

You can read the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025.

Support for people experiencing domestic abuse
 

From 1 August 2026, new laws gave social landlords more ways to support people affected by domestic abuse.

It means that in some circumstances, a housing association can apply to the court to remove the tenancy rights of someone who has been abusive and transfer the tenancy to the person affected.

This could help someone remain safely in their home, community and support network where appropriate.

Any decision will be made by the court, which must be satisfied that the legal requirements have been met.

The law also places greater responsibilities on social landlords to support people who have experienced, are experiencing, or may be at risk of domestic abuse.

Need support?

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, or are worried about someone else, please contact us in confidence. We can offer advice, support and help you access specialist services.

If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police.

Changes to tenancy succession
 

As of 1 August 2026, some of the rules about who can take over a tenancy when a tenant dies have changed.

For most family members, partners and other qualifying occupiers, the length of time they must have lived in the property as their only or main home before they can succeed to a tenancy has reduced from 12 months to six months.

All other succession rules remain the same.

If you would like advice about your individual circumstances, please contact your housing officer.

Damp and mould
 

We take reports of damp and mould seriously and want all our customers to live in safe, healthy homes. New legislation called Awaab’s Law will start on 6 October 2026.

These rules will set deadlines for landlords to:

  • investigate reports of damp and mould;
  • provide written updates to tenants; and
  • begin any necessary repair work.

If you are worried about damp or mould in your home, please report it to our Customer First Centre on 0800 011 3447 as soon as possible so we can investigate and take appropriate action.

Other changes coming in future
 

The Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 includes a number of other changes that will be introduced over the next few years. These include:

  • additional tenant protections;
  • new rights in relation to homes and tenancies;
  • measures to help prevent homelessness; and
  • changes designed to improve housing quality and standards.

We will continue to update this page as new parts of the legislation come into force.

What this means for you

The changes will strengthen tenants' rights, improve support for those who need it most, and make sure homes are safe and well looked after.

You can also get independent advice from:

  • Citizens Advice Scotland;
  • Shelter Scotland;
  • a solicitor; or
  • other independent advice agencies

If you have questions about any of the changes, your tenancy, or the support available, please contact your housing officer or our Customer First Centre on 0800 011 3447.