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 against you because you are disabled. This section looks at what disability discrimination is and what you can do if you think you are being discriminated against.
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
It's illegal for your landlord, council, mortgage lender or other service provider to discriminate against you because of your race, colour, nationality or national or ethnic origins. These pages look at what you can do if you think you've been unfairly treated on these grounds.
Racial harassment
Racist harassment can have a devastating effect on families and individuals. Racist incidents are often repeated, and can escalate from a minor nuisance to a serious crime. This section explains what racial harassment is, and what you can do to tackle it. It also explains your rights if you become homeless as a result of racial harassment.
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. This section looks at your rights and what you can do if a landlord, council, mortgage lender or other service provider is discriminating against you because of your gender.
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 (LGBT), you may find you are treated less favourably when renting a home, applying for a mortgage or dealing with the council. This section looks at what you can do if you feel you are being discriminated against because of your sexual orientation or gender identity.
Harassment of LGBT people
If you are being harassed by your landlord, neighbours, or anyone else 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 to stop the harassment. This page explains your options.
Discrimination against Gypsies/Travellers
Gypsies and Travellers may experience unfair treatment, or discrimination, from site owners, landlords, councils and other service providers. This page looks at what you can do if you've been treated less favourably than other people because you are a Gypsy or Traveller.
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.
