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This content applies to Scotland only.
Housing laws vary between Scotland and England. This page applies to Scotland only. Get advice relating to England
This section explains how the legal and court systems in Scotland work and how they can help you with your housing problems. There's also advice on how to make a complaint about a variety of things plus information on discrimination and harassment. It also contains a straightforward glossary of legal words and phrases.
The legal system
This section explains where Scots law comes from, how it is made and what the courts base their decisions on. It will help you to understand the history of the law in Scotland and how it affects you now. Read more 
Alternatives to court action
Depending on the circumstances, it might not be appropriate to take your case to court. However, that doesn't mean that your problem will go away and you might still need a helping hand to sort it out. This section explains some of the options. Read more
Legal representation
If you've got a housing problem and you need advice on your legal rights, you may need to see a lawyer. If your case is going to court, you'll probably need a lawyer to represent you. This section explains what you can do yourself, why you might need a lawyer, how you can find one and what different kinds of lawyers do. Read more
Going to court
Whether you are taking a case to court or defending a case, you need to know what to do, what procedure to follow and what some technical legal terms mean. This section can help. If your landlord is taking you to court to try and evict you, you need to look at the pages on summary cause procedure for more information. Read more
What happens at court?
Going to court can be an intimidating experience. Courts are busy places and going to court can be stressful, especially if you don't know what to expect. However, it might not be as bad as you think. This section gives you some pointers so you'll be more prepared if you have to go to court in person. Read more
Legal costs
Getting legal advice and representation costs money and can be expensive. However, you might be entitled to some help through the Scottish Legal Aid system. This section explains more about legal aid, solicitors' fees, court fees and court expenses. Read more
Legal jargon
This page is a straightforward glossary of legal words and phrases that you may come across if you're dealing with lawyers or taking your case to court. The glossary is arranged alphabetically. Read more
Making complaints
If you've been treated badly by a public body or organisation, or you're not happy with the service you've received from your solicitor, an advice agency or your local council for example, you can make a formal complaint. This section explains how to go about it. Read more
Discrimination and harassment
This section looks at what you can do if the council, your landlord or any other service provider treats you less favourably because of your sex, racial or ethnic background, religion or beliefs, sexual orientation or gender identity or because you are disabled. It also looks at what you can do if you are being harassed for any of these reasons. Read more
