What to do if you are homeless and have nowhere to stay

If you don't have anywhere to stay, don't panic - there are several things you can do. This page looks at your options.

Go to your local council

If you don't have a place to stay, your first stop should be the housing department of your local council, to make a homeless application. The council should provide you with somewhere to stay while it looks into your situation, and you should be able to move into this temporary accommodation immediately. When the council has finished its inquiries, it should send you a letter explaining what kind of help you are entitled to and why.

If the council offices are closed, there should be an emergency number you can call. This number can usually be found on your council's website.

What help should I get?

Our 'What help does the council have to give me?' flowchart outlines what help your council should give you.

I have nowhere to sleep tonight

If you have nowhere to stay tonight there are several options available to you. Emergency accommodation such as hostels exist and you may be able to get help from the council. Your options are detailed below.

Emergency accommodation

There are several kinds of accommodation that can be accessed in an emergency, including hostels and nightshelters, women's refuges and bed and breakfast hotels.

Sleeping rough

Sleeping rough can be dangerous and may damage your health and should only be considered if you have no other option available.

Squatting

Squatting is not an option in Scotland. If you are caught trying to get into someone else's property or living there without permission, you could end up facing criminal and civil action.