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Scotland

Legal services in Scotland

Getting legal advice can help solve housing problems. You’ll usually need to hire a solicitor if you’re going to court.

Solicitors charge for their work. If you have a low income, you could get legal aid to help with the cost.

Some law centres also offer free advice. Law centres are often busy, and it's not guaranteed that they'll be able to take on your case.

This page lists law firms and law centres that provide housing and homelessness advice and accept legal aid.

There may be other legal services in your area that can help. Search:

There may be steps you can take to solve housing problems without legal help. Check our advice on:

East of Scotland

Civil Legal Assistance Office (CLAO) - Edinburgh and the Lothians

Dundee Law Centre - Tayside and Angus

West of Scotland

Legal Services Agency - Glasgow

The MMFW Partnership - Gorbals and Laurieston

Civil Legal Assistance Office (CLAO) - Argyll & Bute

In-Court Advice Service - North Lanarkshire

Referrals for legal advice can be made through Airdrie Citizens Advice Bureau.

North of Scotland

Civil Legal Assistance Office (CLAO) - Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire

Civil Legal Assistance Office (CLAO) - Highlands and Islands

Scotland-wide

Clan Childlaw – for children and young people under 26

Scottish Child Law Centre – for children and young people under 21

Shelter Scotland Housing Law Service

Contact Shelter Scotland for housing advice by phone or webchat. An adviser may be able to help you solve your problem without taking legal action.

Depending on your situation, an adviser can also refer you to the Law Service for legal help.

Last updated: 8 November 2024

Housing laws differ between Scotland and England.

This content applies to Scotland only.

Get advice if you're in England