We have spoken at numerous seminars and training events for housing associations dealing with the recent changes to an eviction notice and rules relating to actions involving rent arrears and the compulsory pre-action requirements.

The new changes were implemented on 1 August 2012 and make significant differences to court actions involving rent arrears:

• Sheriffs will now set a time limit on the period during which an eviction decree can be enforced. The maximum period allowable is 6 months. This change applies to all actions where

In October 2013, the UK government plans to make changes to housing benefit. How will these housing benefit changes affect landlords in Scotland?

The Government intends to introduce a single 'universal' credit which will be paid to claimants of working age. The idea is to simplify the system for claimants, and make it easier for staff to administer. The new benefit will begin to be introduced in 2013 and will be completely phased in by 2017.

What will this mean in practice?

• Housing benefit will