From 1 August 2026, changes to Dundee City Councils Housing tenancy agreement arising from the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 and the Domestic Abuse (Protection) (Scotland) Act 2021 will come into force.
The following changes apply to all Scottish Secure Tenancy (SST) tenants, including tenancies that began before 1 August 2026. For tenants with a Short Scottish Secure Tenancy (SSST), please note that the succession grounds do not apply.
Supporting victim-survivors of domestic abuse
The new provisions support a victim-survivor centred approach to tenancy rights. They provide a legal mechanism that allows Dundee City Council to seek the removal of a perpetrator of domestic abuse from a tenancy while helping victim-survivors remain in, or return to, their home where appropriate.
This means:
The perpetrator of domestic abuse can be removed from the tenancy.
The victim-survivor can be granted the tenancy in their own name.
The victim-survivor has greater choice and support to remain in their home.
Changes to succession rights
The changes to succession rules give people residing in the property with the tenant clearer rights following a tenant's death.
To qualify for succession, a person must:
Have occupied the property as their only or principal home for at least six months (this changes from twelve months) immediately before the tenant's death; AND
Have notified the landlord in writing that they moved into the property at the time of taking up residence - not at the time of making a claim for succession.
Electronic delivery of notices
Tenancy notices can now be issued by email or other electronic means where tenants have agreed to receive communications in this way.
Keeping pets
Tenants have a new right to request permission to keep a pet, and permission cannot be unreasonably refused. When a request is made in writing, Dundee City Council will now automatically grant permission for one domestic pet in most circumstances.
There are some exceptions to this where the request relates to a multi-storey flat, a sheltered housing complex, supported accommodation, where the pet is a dangerous dog or permission has previously been refused or revoked. Permission for these and more than one pet will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
This does not remove the tenant’s responsibility to ensure that pets are properly cared for and do not cause problems for neighbours or the property.
If you have any questions about these changes, or require advice or support, please contact your Tenancy Officer by contacting 01382 437401 and press Option 4.
