Overview of changes
There have been changes to Scottish housing law which affect your tenancy, effective from 1 August 2026.
The changes automatically apply to all tenants who have a Scottish Secure Tenancy (SST) or Short Scottish Secure Tenancy with us.
The Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 and the Domestic Abuse (Protection) (Scotland) Act 2021 brought in the changes. The Scottish Government has published new model tenancy agreements and we updated our tenancy agreements to reflect these.
Social tenancy transfer because of domestic abuse
If you are at risk of domestic abuse and want to stay in your social rented home, we, as your landlord, can apply to the court to evict your partner or ex-partner (using ground 15A of the Housing Scotland Act 2001).
If the court grants the order, you will become the sole tenant (have the tenancy in your own name).
This helps people experiencing, or at risk of, domestic abuse remain in, or return to, their home where appropriate. It gives them greater choice.
Changes to succession rights
The changes to succession rules give new rights to people residing in the property with a SST tenant. To qualify for succession, a person must have provided us with written notification and, from that date, occupied the property as their only or principal home for at least six months immediately before the tenant's death.
The other succession rules still apply.
Find out more about succession rights
Keeping pets
Tenants have a new right to request permission to keep a pet. You must get our permission in writing, and we cannot unreasonably withhold consent. This does not remove your responsibility to make sure that your pets are properly cared for and do not cause problems for neighbours or the property.
Electronic delivery of notices
Tenancy notices can now be issued by email or other electronic means where tenants have agreed to receive communications in this way. We will give you options to do this soon.
Further information
If you have any questions about these changes, or require advice or support, contact your Housing Officer.