New regulations laid before the Scottish Parliament will finally bring into force provisions that formed part of a domestic abuse law passed nearly five years ago.
13:20, 10 Jan 2026Updated 13:42, 10 Jan 2026
Regulations around a law passed in 2021 could soon come into effect(Image: )
Domestic abusers could be forced out of their social housing under new powers given to landlords. New regulations laid before the Scottish Parliament will finally bring into force provisions on tenancies that formed part of a domestic abuse law passed nearly five years ago.
If the move is backed by MSPs, social landlords could force people believed to be abusive to move out by applying to the courts to remove them from tenancy agreements. Domestic abuse campaigners have welcomed the regulations, which would kick in from August 1.
It comes after it emerged police in Scotland deal with a call relating to domestic abuse every eight minutes. The Domestic Abuse (Protection) Scotland Act, passed in 2021, was aimed at allowing social landlords to act on behalf of abuse victims.
Leaving abusive relationships is a major factor in homelessness among women as their partner’s name could feature on the tenancy. Housing Secretary Mairi McAllan said the measures would now be taken forward.
She said: “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.
Housing Secretary Mairi McAllan announced the new measures (Image: Ken Jack/Getty Images)
“Now the perpetrator can be made to leave – not leaving this to the victim or survivor.”
The move comes after more than 66,000 incidents of domestic abuse were reported to police in Scotland in the 12 months to September last year – with officers dealing with a call every eight minutes.
Police Scotland insisted its “relentless” focus on tackling the problem had seen 32 “high harm and serious” offenders sentenced to more than 228 years in prison during 2025.
Assistant Chief Constable Steve Johnson said officers are “determined to ensure women and girls live free from violence and abuse”.
He said last month: “It will not be tolerated, and perpetrators will be held accountable.”
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