Social landlords to be able to seek to end tenancies of abusers under proposals

Social landlords are set to be given the power to take legal action against tenants they believe to be domestic abusers in an effort to kick them out, under Government proposals.

Regulations have been laid before Holyrood to give effect to part of the Domestic Abuse (Protection) Scotland Act which was passed in 2021.

If backed by Holyrood, the regulations would come into force on August 1 and allow for social landlords to seek to kick out abusive people, with the tenancy then able to be transferred into the name of the victim.

One of the major factors in homelessness among women is leaving abusive relationships.

Housing Secretary Mairi McAllan said: “Domestic abuse must be eradicated from our society and as Housing Secretary I am determined to protect the housing rights of women and children.

“No-one should have to choose between their safety and their home. These new regulations will give social landlords new powers to protect victims of domestic abuse and hold perpetrators to account.

“By allowing social landlords to take action on behalf of victims, we are removing a significant barrier that has forced too many people to flee their homes to escape abuse.

“Now the perpetrator can be made to leave – not leaving this to the victim or survivor.

“This is an important step in our commitment to tackling domestic abuse and to supporting those affected by it to rebuild their lives.”

Marsha Scott, chief executive of Scottish Women’s Aid, welcomed the change in the law.

“Housing is one of the main challenges women face when ending a relationship with an abusive partner and keeping a roof over the heads of their family and avoiding homelessness are critical pressures,” she said.

“Not all can stay in their own homes safely, which is why refuge provision is so important, but for the many who could, this regulatory change will bring much-needed reform.

“This change should enable women and their children to stay in their home, their schools and the area where they often have a support network and moves the consequences of abuse where they belong – the abuser.”