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We always want to keep you informed of any changes in Housing Law that might affect you and your rights as a WSHA tenant.
A number of changes to Scottish housing legislation will come into force during 2026. These changes are designed to give tenants greater protection and improve housing services.
From 1 August 2026
Domestic Abuse Protection
• If domestic abuse occurs within a tenancy, housing associations will have new powers to help victims remain in their home. This means that:
• We may be able to remove the perpetrator from the tenancy.
• The victim may be able to stay in the home and have the tenancy transferred into their name.
• Victims will not automatically have to move home to be safe.
Succession Rights
• If a tenant dies, a spouse, partner, family member or carer living in the home may be able to take over the tenancy. The qualifying period for succession is changing:
• Current requirement: 12 months' residence.
• New requirement from 1 August 2026: 6 months' residence.
Electronic Communication
• Where you have agreed to receive information electronically, we will be able to send certain formal notices by email or other electronic methods. This could include:
• Rent increase notices.
• Other tenancy-related correspondence.
• Tenants who prefer traditional paper correspondence can continue to receive communications in that way.
From 6 October 2026
Stronger Rights for Damp and Mould Repairs (Awaab's Law)
• New legislation will introduce stricter legal requirements for landlords dealing with damp and mould. This means:
• Reports of damp and mould must be investigated within legally prescribed timescales.
• We must keep tenants informed in writing on the repairs to treat any damp and mould.
• Repairs must be carried out more quickly where there is a risk to health.
• Additional protections will apply for vulnerable households.
• There will be stronger accountability for landlords who fail to meet the required standards.
You don’t need to do anything in response to these changes, but if you have any questions about how these changes affect you, please contact WSHA Customer Service on 0141 5505600. You may also wish to seek independent advice from a solicitor, Citizens Advice, Shelter Scotland, or another independent advice agency.