Reducing eviction in the social sector

The Scottish Government consulted on whether tenants of social landlords should be given equivalent legal protection to that enjoyed by homeowners under new legislation commencing at the end of September 2010.

Four out of five (78%) respondents agreed that a set of ‘pre-action requirements’ would help to reduce evictions for arrears. These pre-action requirements would set out a series of steps that landlords had to take before going to court.

Respondents also support better sharing of practice, improved monitoring of evictions and a new proposal to allow tenants to remain in a tenancy after the court has granted decree. Shelter Scotland looks forward to the Scottish Government introducing proposals at Stage 2 of the Housing (Scotland) Bill.