Sharing rented accommodation
This content applies to Scotland only.
Housing laws vary between Scotland and England. Get advice relating to England
When you share rented accommodation with other people, it's important to choose carefully who you live with and to check that you understand your rights. Your rights will depend on whether you and your housemates have joint or separate tenancies and who your landlord is (for example, the council or a private landlord). This will affect how easily you can be evicted, and what you can do if you have problems with your housemates.
Choosing who to live with
If you're leaving home for the first time, choosing who to live with can be as important as choosing where to live. Check out your options and what each one means before you decide.
Things to agree in advance
You need to decide if you will have joint or separate tenancies - this will have a big impact on your rights. It also helps if everyone agrees on some basic ground rules before you move in together.
Your rights if you share
If you're moving into shared rented accommodation, your rights depend on who you live with and if you have a joint or separate tenancy. This page looks at your rights.
Joint tenancies
If you and your flatmates have a joint tenancy agreement, you will all have the same rights and responsibilities. So you are all equally responsible for the rent and keeping to the tenancy agreement's terms.
Problems with housemates
You might have problems with the people you live with for a variety of reasons. This page explains what you can do. In serious cases, when your landlord, the council or the police may be able to help.
