Paying for a home

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 contains information about housing money matters, including rent 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 housing aid centre or Citizens Advice Bureau in your area.

Paying rent

Whether you're a council, housing association, housing co-op or a private tenant, you pay rent in return for living in your home. This section looks at how rent is paid and what you can do if your rent goes up or you can't afford to pay your rent. Read more 

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. Read more 

Deposits

When you move into rented accommodation, most private landlords or letting agents ask for a deposit. This section explains what a deposit is for, how you can get help to pay your deposit, and what you should do if you have trouble getting your deposit back when you move out. Read more 

Mortgages

Almost everyone who buys their own home gets a mortgage to pay for it. This section provides information about the things you should consider when getting a mortgage and how common problems can be dealt with. Read more 

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. Read more 

Costs of buying a home

Besides the cost of your mortgage, there are other things you need to take into account when buying your own home. This page looks at the costs of finding a home and arranging a mortgage, including the deposit, insurance, stamp duty and registration fees. Read more 

Other housing costs

This section looks at 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! Read more 

Paying for care and support

There are many ways that you can receive care and support: living in your own home, in sheltered accommodation or in a care home. This section looks at how to pay for care and support and what help is available. Read more 

Paying council tax

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

Housing and council tax benefit

If you rent your home and have a low income, or get welfare benefits, you may be entitled to help with your rent from housing benefit. Council tax benefit can be paid to both tenants and homeowners who are having difficulty paying their council tax. Find out more in this section. Read more 

Other benefits, grants and loans

This section has more information about benefits, and about grants and loans that may be available for specific housing costs. It also looks at financial help for specific groups of people, including students, parents, care leavers, disabled people and young people, and has advice on getting help to pay for heating. Read more 

Financial support for disabled people

If you are disabled, you may be entitled to certain benefits, grants or loans. Some benefits will depend on how disabled you are and how much help you need, others will be means tested, so will depend on how much money you have. Read more 

Benefits for 16 and 17-year-olds

The rules for claiming benefits can be different if you're under 18. This page explains which benefits you're eligible to apply for. Whether or not your claim will be accepted will depend on your circumstances. Read more 

Financial support for care leavers

As a care leaver, you are entitled to certain support and benefits. These will depend on your age and circumstances. You may also be eligible for a community care grant, a budgeting loan or a crisis loan. Read more 

Financial support for students

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

Financial support for parents

This page looks at how you can get help with housing costs if you are a parent or responsible for bringing up a child. It also gives advice on working out which benefits you can claim and looks at other means of support. Read more 

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. Read more 

Paying for heating

This page looks at ways you can reduce the amount you spend on heating during the cold winter months. If you are elderly, disabled or on a low income, you may be able to get some help to pay your bills - this page offers a brief overview of possible sources of financial help. Read more 

Budgeting

If you want to keep your finances on the straight and narrow, drawing up a budget will really help. This page explains what budgeting is, and contains links to useful websites that can help you manage your money. Read more 

Dealing with debt

With credit cards, store cards, overdrafts and bank loans readily available, it's easy to slip into debt. Most housing problems start because of financial difficulties, so if you do find yourself getting into debt, it's important to take action as soon as possible. Read more