Updates to your Scottish Secure Tenancy (SST)
The Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 comes into force on 1 August 2026 and introduces some changes which will be included within the Scottish Secure Tenancy agreements going forward. These changes also apply to existing tenants with an SST. Beyond notification, no further action is required, however it is important that you are aware of these changes which are summarised below.
Tackling domestic abuse: New provisions will allow social landlords, in certain circumstances, to take action to end the tenancy of a person who has engaged in abusive behaviour towards a partner or former partner. This can help the victim or survivor to remain in their home, where the relevant legal conditions are met.
Succession to a tenancy: Changes will be made to the qualifying period that applies in certain circumstances when a tenancy is succeeded following the death of a tenant. The change means that more people may qualify for succession, as they will need to have lived in the property for 6 months rather than 12 months. These changes are however subject to statutory succession provisions.
Delivery of notices: The arrangement for serving certain formal notices on tenants will be updated. The practical effect is that a landlord will be able to use electronic communications, such as email, for notices and documents where the tenant has agreed to receive these electronically. This changes is intended to modernise the process and make it more practical and reliable.
Damp and mould - Awaab's Law: From 6 October 2026, new requirements will apply when tenants report substantial damp and mould in their homes. The Council will be required to investigate, provide a written summary of the investigation findings and commence any required repais within definined timescales. Where timescales cannot be met for reasons beyond the Council's control, tenants will be informed of revised timescales.
Tenants are encouraged to report any damp and mould in their home to the Council as soon as reasonably practicable. Contact Housing
The changes are intended to help ensure that tenants have clear and up-to-date information about their rights and responsibilities, while strengthening protections for people experiencing domestic abuse and improving the response to serious damp and mould issues in social housing.
It is important that Tenant contact details are kept up to date. Tenants can do this by completing the Tenant contact form.