The Scottish Government is to extend a seven-day limit on unsuitable temporary accommodation to protect people at risk of homelessness.
Under new legislation, anyone facing homelessness will spend no longer than a week in accommodation like bed and breakfasts.
The limit on unsuitable temporary accommodation currently covers families with children and pregnant women.
The changes will come into effect by May 2021.
Research published by Crisis last year gathered experiences of 74 people across Aberdeenshire, the Highlands, East Lothian, Midlothian and Glasgow who had faced months in unsuitable temporary accommodation such as B&Bs.
Jon Sparkes, chief executive of homeless charity Crisis, said: “We strongly welcome the announcement that the Scottish Government will change the law so that people will no longer have to live in the most unsuitable forms of temporary accommodation for longer than seven days.
“This decision is a recognition of the resolve of our clients to shine a light on the inhumane conditions they were experiencing and the determination to ensure no one else was subjected to these prolonged stays.”
Housing minister Kevin Stewart added: “These experiences have a detrimental effect on people’s physical and mental wellbeing, preventing them from rebuilding their lives.
“We recognise the importance of a settled home in supporting people to live their life with good health, wellbeing and a sense of community and belonging.
“That’s why we’re investing £32.5 million, which includes more than half of our £50 million Ending Homelessness Together Fund, to support local authorities to prioritise settled accommodation for all.”