If approved, the move would align the process with that already in place for the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR).

The proposal has won the backing of the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA), the Glasgow and West of Scotland Forum of Housing Associations (GWSF), and SHARE, which together represent or support the majority of Scotland’s Registered Social Landlords (RSLs).

Ms Tweed said: “When the SHR was created by the Housing (Scotland) Act 2010, the absence of an independent appeals process was a glaring omission. Since then, MSPs have heard repeated complaints about SHR operations but have been powerless to intervene. This is unacceptable for a body that is supposedly accountable to the Scottish Parliament.

“I experienced this firsthand when I presented prima facie evidence of bullying and harassment by the SHR at Dalmuir Park Housing Association. There was a point-blank refusal to consider any independent investigation and a complete failure to engage openly with me. No public body should be allowed to operate with such impunity.

“Decisions by the SHR can profoundly impact RSLs, their staff, tenants, and the communities they serve. It’s only right that these decisions are subject to transparent, independent scrutiny—just as OSCR’s decisions are for charities.”

Currently, SHR decisions can only be challenged through judicial review—a process that is prohibitively expensive and time-consuming.

Ms Tweed’s proposal was supported by SFHA, GWSF, and SHARE during a recent session of the Parliament’s Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee. The Committee heard evidence from these organisations and others, echoing complaints about the SHR that have persisted for over a decade.

Ms Tweed added: “My amendment will ensure natural justice prevails, providing a much cheaper and quicker mechanism for resolving disputes, fostering greater transparency and trust within the sector. It addresses the concerns raised by SFHA, GWSF, SHARE, and others for open and accountable regulation.

“The only way Parliament can have full confidence in the SHR’s operations is to provide those affected by its decisions with an accessible judicial process.”