As reported in The Scotsman, the concerns have been prompted over the introduction of Overcrowding Statutory Notices (OSN) aimed at guarding against unacceptable living conditions in many private sector homes in Scotland.

A consultation on the issue has resulted in calls for safeguards to be put in place by landlords and councils to prevent a rise in people being left on the street.

In its consultation response, Shelter Scotland said: “The service of an overcrowding statutory notice is highly likely to lead to homelessness.”

It is calling for councils to ensure that an OSN is accompanied by a housing options interview to guard against evicted people being left with nowhere to stay.

And disability charity Capability Scotland warned: “These notices are highly likely to lead to homelessness making it essential that procedures are put in place to ensure that when the notices are served occupiers are given the advice, information and support they need to consider their full housing options and make a homelessness application where necessary.”

The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations said that a tenant with too many family members living with them could decide to ask adult members to leave.

“If those adults leaving were vulnerable or had very little choice to exercise in other housing options, they could become homeless,” it added.

But local authorities, including Glasgow, Moray and South Lanarkshire all say that councils are likely to be closely involved in the process to help find alternative accommodation when needed, and the risk of homelessness is “minimal.”

@shelterscotland

@Capability_Scot

@sfha_hq