Unlawful eviction damages: equality impact assessment

Equality Impact Assessment Results

Title of Policy:

Chapter 3, Part 2 Housing (Scotland) Bill ("the Bill”) - Unlawful Eviction Damages

Summary of aims and desired outcomes of Policy:

Measures in the Bill aim to change the way that civil damages for an unlawful eviction are calculated, so they are based on a multiplication of monthly rent. This aims to simplify the process for applying for damages by removing the requirement to have a professional valuation making it easier for tenants to seek damages where an unlawful eviction occurs. The provision will help to ensure tenants are suitably compensated where an unlawful eviction occurs and is intended to help to deter landlords from carrying out an illegal eviction as the risk of challenge and financial penalty will be higher.

Directorate:

Directorate for Local Government and Housing: Better Homes Division: Housing Legislation and Reform Unit.