This content applies to Scotland only.

Housing laws vary between Scotland and England. Get advice relating to England

Family survival guide

Everyone falls out with their family now and then, but if you're rowing with your parents, stepparents or carers all the time it can make you very unhappy. Our page on surviving family life has lots of sensible advice to help you avoid arguments and get on with the people you live with. And remember, there are lots of organisations out there that can help you if you're having problems at home.

Friends and flatmates

If you're moving into a shared house or flat, your new flatmates may become your new best friends, or your worst enemies. Even if you move in with your mates, you may start to the see them in a different light once you find out how they hog the bathroom, steal your food or turn your home into a midden. Find out how to deal with problem flatmates and what your rights are in a shared house or flat here.

Moving in with a partner

Moving in with your boyfriend or girlfriend is a big step to take, and it's important to think carefully about what sharing a home as a couple will mean for you. It's not just a question of adapting to another person's lifestyle: living together can affect your finances and your right to stay in your home, and if you're not married or in a civil partnership, you might find you have fewer rights than you think. Make sure you know your rights before you take the plunge.

Splitting up

Breaking up with a partner is never easy. As well as coping with the emotional side of the split, if you live together, you'll have to face lots of practical decisions too. Do you want to stay in your home or move out? Can you afford to live there on your own? What should you do if your partner kicks you out? The section on relationship breakdown looks at all your options.

Caring for someone at home

Many young people look after someone at home who is ill or disabled. If you spend a lot of time caring for someone, you shouldn't have to do it on your own. Our information for young carers tells you how to get in touch with organisations offering help and support to people in your position.

Coping with a death in your family

Losing someone close to you can affect you in many ways: you may feel sad, angry, hurt, isolated or numb. If one of your parents dies, this may also affect your living situation. Our section on death in the household looks at how you can cope with this, and links to organisations that can help you deal with the situation, both emotionally and practically.