CAMPAIGNERS have welcomed a decision by the Scottish Government to scrap plans for a six-month initial tenancy period for private landlords over fears it could force victims of domestic violence to stay in abusive relationships.

Homeless Action Scotland had asked for an amendment to the Private Housing (Tenancies) Bill, set to go before Parliament next week for more detailed scrutiny, to allow “early termination of a tenancy” for those trapped in abusive relationships.

The Living Rent campaign group said the decision to grant the amendment, also lodged by Patrick Harvie MSP and Citizens Advice Scotland, to shorten the notice periods would bring greater flexibility for tenants in precarious circumstances who need to move out at short notice.

Emma Saunders of Living Rent said: “Although, there remain areas where the Housing Bill could be improved, we are delighted the Government have decided to remove the period at the start of a lease which ties tenants in for six months.

“This change represents a real victory for campaigners, which will benefit renters across Scotland.

“This amendment is vital for vulnerable tenants who may need to leave a flat at short notice, in particular women who are fleeing domestic abuse.

“At the Living Rent campaign we think it’s right not to make renters obligated for six months of rent when they move into a new home. There are all sorts of reasons why a tenant might need to leave before the end of the first six months, whether it’s down to the quality of the flat, unforeseen changes in circumstance or problem neighbours.

“The new tenancy type proposed by the Scottish Government contains a number of protections for tenants, however it is important to make sure this legislation doesn’t inadvertently force people to stay in dangerous or difficult living situations.”

The Scottish Government said plans for the six-month tenancy were removed after looking at the evidence presented by the campaigners at stage one of the Bill.

A spokeswoman said: “The Scottish Government removed the initial period from the new tenancy, after considering further the evidence presented at stage one and in response to the ICI (Infrastructure and Capital Investment) Committee’s report. This now makes for a simpler and more straightforward approach that will benefit tenants and landlords.

“This Bill aims to provide security, stability and predictability for 700,000 tenants in Scotland. The tenancy will now be completely open-ended, with tenants able to give notice at any time and landlords able to use all grounds for repossession from the beginning of the tenancy.”

The Government said the committee raised particular concerns about the potential negative consequences that the initial period may have for someone trying to leave an abusive relationship.

Scottish Women’s Aid’s chief executive, Dr Marsha Scott, welcomed a move to increase tenant’s rights but had urged the Scottish Government to consider the impact the lengthy tenancy period could have on women who experience domestic abuse.

She said: “Housing is a particularly critical area because so many women are made homeless every year as a direct result of domestic abuse.

“We support the increase in rights of tenants in the private housing sector. It is vital that women and children who are made homeless are able to have long-term security when they are housed in the private sector.

“Where women are forced to leave their private tenancy and become homeless as a result of domestic abuse, we would expect discretion to be used and discretionary housing benefit to be available.

“Ultimately, however, we want the Scottish Government to prevent women and children becoming homeless as a result of domestic abuse.”