This content applies to Scotland only.

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

If it all goes wrong...

Maybe you can't stand living at home any longer, or your parents have kicked you out. Maybe your landlord's making your life a misery, or you're seriously short of cash. If everything's going wrong, don't bury your head in the sand - there are loads of things you can do to sort your situation out.

Where can I get help?

If you've got a housing problem and are looking for advice on what to do, you've come to the right place - this website has loads of information that can help you. If you can't find what you're looking for, you can email us, and a housing adviser will look at your situation and email you back some suggestions on how to sort it out. Many housing problems involve other issues too - our page on help for young people lists organisations offering advice and support on a wide range of problems, from abuse and bullying to depression and drugs.

In an emergency

If your situation is urgent, you can call Shelter's free housing advice helpline on 0808 800 4444 and speak to an adviser straightaway. If you want to talk to someone face-to-face, you can go to see an adviser at a housing aid centre, Citizens Advice Bureau or other local advice agency. Use our directory to find an agency near you.

Nowhere to sleep tonight?

If you've nowhere to stay, don't panic. Check out your emergency accommodation options here and call Shelter's free housing advice helpline on 0808 800 4444. Shelter doesn't provide accommodation, but an adviser may be able to sort you out a place in a hostel or refuge near you.

Getting help from the council

If you've nowhere to live or need to move out of your home because of serious problems, you should always approach your council's housing department to see what help they can offer you. They should give you somewhere to stay while they look into your situation. If the council refuses to help you, go and see a housing adviser and check exactly what you're entitled to. An adviser will be able to help you deal with the council.