Scottish Housing Law Update August 2026

HOUSING LAW UPDATE

River Clyde Homes' tenancy agreement has been updated to incorporate the changes to the law. The new version of the tenancy agreement will apply to all new tenants from 1st August 2026. 

On 1st August 2026, the Scottish Government also introduced the following changes-  

• Changes to the law in relation to domestic abuse 

River Clyde Homes will be expected to offer more support to help protect tenants who are suffering, have suffered from, or are at risk of domestic abuse. Domestic abuse can include physical or psychological harm, whether as a single incident or a pattern of behaviour. The new legal changes mean an additional ground where RCH can apply to the Sheriff Court to evict perpetrators of domestic abuse.

• Keeping Pets 

All tenants now have the right to request written permission to keep a pet. River Clyde Homes  will consider any request fairly and reasonably; and provide a reply within 1 month of the  request. If your request is granted, we may impose conditions. If your request has been  denied, then you will be advised why. If we do not respond within the required time,  permission will be treated as having been given  

• Succession 

When a tenant dies, the tenancy can be inherited. Previously, the rules stated that the  person  inheriting the tenancy must have lived in the property for 12 months prior to the  tenant's death, however, the Scottish Government has reduced this qualifying period to 6  months. The qualifying period will begin when we are notified that the individual  moves into the tenancy, and the tenancy is their only or principal home. 

• Notices 

River Clyde Homes are now allowed to send annual rent increase notices by email. River  Clyde Homes will require tenants to agree to this in writing in advance of sending electronic  rent increase notices.

Full information can be found on the Scottish Government Website: CLICK HERE.