Paying for a home

This content applies to Scotland only.

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

This section contains information about housing money matters, including rent, deposits and rent arrears, mortgages and mortgage arrears, council tax, benefits to help with housing costs and advice on what to do if you get into debt.

Whatever your situation, you should get advice immediately if you are having problems paying for your accommodation. Contact the National Debtline or use the Advice Services Directory to find a Shelter advice centre or Citizens Advice in your area.

Paying rent

This section looks at how you pay rent and what you can do if your rent goes up or you can't afford to pay your rent.

Rent arrears

If you have rent arrears, your landlord could take legal action to have you evicted from your home. This section looks at different ways to deal with your rent arrears and avoid eviction.

Deposits

Most private landlords or letting agents ask for a deposit if you're renting.Find out what a deposit's for, help to pay your deposit, and what to do if you have trouble getting your deposit back.

Mortgages

If you buy a home you'll probably get a mortgage to pay for it. Find out what you should consider when choosing a mortgage and how common problems can be dealt with.

Mortgage arrears

If you fall behind with your mortgage payments you could risk losing your home. This section has advice on what you can do if you are having problems paying your mortgage.

Buying a home

As well as your mortgage, there are other costs you need to factor in when buying your home. This section looks at the cost of your deposit, insurance, stamp duty and registration fees.

Other housing costs

Other costs involved when you live in rented accommodation or own your own home. Unfortunately your rent or mortgage is only the start of it!

Paying for care and support

You can get care and support if you're living in your own home, in sheltered accommodation or in a care home. Find different ways to pay for care and support and what help is available.

Paying council tax

Whether you own or rent your home, you may have to pay council tax. Find out who has to pay council tax, how much you will have to pay and what to do if you fall into council tax arrears.

Housing benefit and local housing allowance (LHA)

If you rent your home and have a low income, or get welfare benefits, you may be entitled to housing benefit to help pay your rent.

Welfare reform: what are the changes?

Changes to welfare benefits in 2013 may mean that your benefits will be reduced, find out if these changes will affect you.

Other benefits, grants and loans

Find benefits, grants and loans for housing costs. There's financial help for students, parents, care leavers, disabled people and young people, and advice on getting help to pay for heating.

Benefits for disabled people

Find out what benefits and financial support your disability and other circumstances makes you eligible for.

Benefits for young people

The rules for claiming benefits can be different if you're under 18. Find out more about benefits for young people.

Benefits and support for care leavers

Care leavers are entitled to certain support and benefits such as community care grant, a budgeting or crisis loans. This page outlines the benefits and support that care leavers are entitled to.

Financial support for students

This page looks at loans and grants available to students, including student loans, bursaries and sponsorship.

Financial support for parents

How you can get help with housing costs if you are a parent or responsible for bringing up a child. There's also advice on working out which benefits you can claim and other means of support.

Rent and financial support for crofters

This section looks at rent issues for crofting tenants, and at financial support available for crofting tenants and owner-occupiers.

Paying for heating

How to reduce how much you spend on heating during the winter. If you are elderly, disabled or on a low income, you may get some help to pay your bills.

Budgeting

If you want to manage your money, drawing up a budget will really help. Find out what budgeting is and get resources to support you in looking after your finances

Dealing with debt

With credit cards, overdrafts and bank loans readily available, debt can mount up. Most housing problems start because of financial difficulties, so if you do get into debt, do take action as soon as possible.

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