Discrimination and harassment
This content applies to Scotland only.
Housing laws vary between Scotland and England. Get advice relating to England
This section looks at what you can do if the council, your landlord or any other service provider treats you less favourably or harasses you because of your sex, your racial or ethnic background, your religion or beliefs, your sexual orientation or gender identity or because you are disabled.
You may find you're discriminated against in more than one way - for example, because you're a disabled person and you're black, or because you're a woman and a lesbian. In this case, it's a good idea to talk to an adviser at a Citizens Advice Bureau or a solicitor at a law centre or in private practice, to decide on the best course of action. Use the Advice Services Directory to find an agency that can help you.
Disability discrimination
It's illegal for your landlord, mortgage lender or other service provider to discriminate because you are disabled. This section looks at what you can do if you think this has happened to you.
Harassment if you're disabled
One in five disabled Scots has experienced harassment because of their disability. This page looks at what you can do if you've been harassed because of your disability.
Racial discrimination
Your landlord, council, mortgage lender or other service provider can't discriminate against you because of race, colour, nationality or origins. This is illegal. Check your options.
Racial harassment
Racist harassment can be devastating. Racist incidents are often repeated, and can escalate. This section explains what you can do to tackle it. Find out your rights if you're homeless as a result.
Religious discrimination
It's illegal for landlords, mortgage lenders, councils or other service providers to treat you unfairly because of your religion or beliefs, or because you don't have a particular religion or belief.
Religious harassment
This page explains what religious harassment is and how you can deal with it.
Sex discrimination
It's against the law to be treated unfairly because of your sex. Be sure of your rights and what to do if a landlord, council, lender or other service provider discriminates against you.
Sexual harassment
This page explains what sexual harassment is and how you can deal with it.
Discrimination against LGBT people
If you are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, you may find you are treated less favourably. Check what you can do if you feel you are being discriminated against.
Harassment of LGBT people
If you are being harassed by your landlord or neighbours because of your sexual orientation or gender identity, you may be able to get help from the council or the police, or take legal action.
Discrimination against Gypsies/Travellers
Gypsies and Travellers may experience discrimination, from site owners, landlords, councils and other service providers. What you can do if you've been treated unfairly because of your lifestyle.
Discrimination and human rights
Discrimination may also violate your human rights. This page looks at how human rights law can help you if you are experiencing discrimination or harassment.
Non-harassment orders
If someone is harassing you, you may be able to get a non-harassment order to stop them behaving in this way. This page explains how to apply for a non-harassment order.
Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) works to promote equality and prevent discrimination. This page looks at how the EHRC can help if you are being discriminated against.
