Skip to main content
Donate Menu Search

Paying for a home

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.

Scotland map Housing laws differ between Scotland and England.
This content applies to Scotland only.
Get advice if you're England
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.
Help with 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 get help to pay your rent arrears and avoid eviction.
Help with deposits - Scottish protection schemes

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.
Do I have to pay 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
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.
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.
Financial help and benefits for disabled people in Scotland

Find out what benefits and financial help 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, Grants 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 and benefits 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
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.
Winter fuel allowance and paying for heating during cold weather

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 such as winter fuel
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.

If you're still looking for help, try searching, or find out how to contact us

Was this page helpful?

This feedback tool can't offer advice. If you still need help, please call our free housing helpline on 0808 800 4444

Would you recommend Shelter Scotland's website to a friend, colleague or family member?
(0 - not at all likely, 10 - extremely likely)

Your feedback is being submitted

Success! Thank you for your feedback.

If you'd like to hear more about our work at Shelter Scotland, you can sign up to receive updates on our campaigns page.

Sorry, there was a problem sending your feedback to us. Please try again or contact us via the website if this error persists.

The fight isn't over - support us this summer

far from fixed campaign logo
It’s a disgrace that people are still homeless in Scotland today. Join our campaign
It’s a disgrace that people are still homeless in Scotland today.
Volunteer
Find out more about volunteering with Shelter Scotland
Volunteer with Shelter Scotland
Have you had a bad housing experience? Tell us about your story.
Share your story of a bad housing experience
£