Part 5Homelessness prevention

Tenants affected by domestic abuse

56Social landlords: pre-action requirement where domestic abuse is a factor in rent arrears

(1)

The Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 is modified as follows.

(2)

In section 14A (pre-action requirements where grounds for possession include rent arrears)—

(a)

after subsection (6) insert—

“(6A)

Where the landlord considers that the tenant has experienced or is experiencing domestic abuse which explains or partly explains why the rent lawfully due from the tenant has not been paid, the landlord must—

(a)

take such action to support the needs of the tenant arising in connection with the rent arrears as the landlord considers reasonable having regard to its domestic abuse policy under section 56A, and

(b)

provide the tenant with details of such other support that may be available to the tenant in relation to domestic abuse as the landlord considers appropriate in the circumstances.”,

(b)

in subsection (10), after “this section” insert “—

““domestic abuse” has the meaning given by section 56A(6),”.