Other housing problems
This content applies to Scotland only.
Housing laws vary between Scotland and England. Get advice relating to England
This section looks at other housing problems which may make your home unsuitable for you to live in. It looks at what you can do if your home is overcrowded, how to deal with problems with pests and vermin and what to do if your home is flooded. It also explains about the digital switchover.
If you are worried about the condition of your home, you can get advice from a Shelter advice centre, Citizens Advice or other local agency. Use the Advice Services Directory to find an agency near you.
Overcrowding
This page explains the legal definition of overcrowding. This definition is quite strict: although you may think your home is too small for your family, it may not be legally overcrowded. This page also explains what you can do if you need to move because your home is overcrowded.
Pests and vermin
Your home may be uninhabitable if it is infested by pests and vermin such as cockroaches or rats. You may be able to deal with infestations yourself, but for more serious outbreaks, you should contact the council's environmental health department or a local pest control firm.
Flooding
This page looks at what you can do if you live in an area prone to flooding. It looks at what you can do to prepare for floods and how to cope if your home is flooded.
The digital switchover
The way television is broadcast in the UK is changing. Between 2008 and 2012, the existing analogue signal is being switched off, and replaced by a digital signal. This means you may need to convert your television and upgrade your aerial to get television reception. This page explains how, and looks at what to do if you rent your home.
