Housing options

This section looks at the different housing options that may be available in Scotland. It also outlines the range of options available to specific groups with particular needs.

Social housing - allocations

The allocation of housing by local authorities and registered social landlords is governed by particular rules, for example how applications for housing are prioritised. 

Housing with a registered social landlord

This section covers the definition, operation and regulation of registered social landlords. 

Challenging registered social landlords

The decisions of registered social landlords can be challenged in a number of ways. 

Housing in the private rented sector

This section discusses how to advise people who are looking for accommodation in the private rented sector. 

Letting agents

This section looks at finding accommodation through accommodation agencies. It looks at what accommodation agencies are, how they can be contacted, how the law controls what they can charge and what the law says about discrimination issues. 

Housing cooperatives

This section deals with housing cooperatives (co-ops). It gives a description of what they are and how they work. It provides information on how people can be housed in co-op accommodation, what their rights are, and how advisers can assist in any tenant and landlord problems. 

Paying for rented accommodation

This section discusses paying for rented accommodation, and covers control of rent, how to get help with paying rent, and also looks at deposits and premiums. 

Deposits and fees

This section discusses fees and deposits that accommodation agencies may charge. 

Emergency accommodation

This section looks at the options available to people who need accommodation urgently because they are homeless or about to become homeless. It gives information about advising people in emergency situations. 

Housing for older people

This section outlines the housing options available to older people. It looks at options for older people who wish to remain in their present accommodation, including how to get support at home, how adaptations to the home may be carried out, and how income may be raised from the home. 

Housing for disabled people

This section looks at the housing options available to disabled people and the issues that they may face in relation to housing. The needs and circumstances of disabled people vary widely. This section provides information on housing options available to people who need little or no support, including issues surrounding accessing care or adaptations to the home, as well as people who need a higher level of support such as residential care. 

Housing issues for LGBT people

This section looks at housing for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. It considers their housing options and covers specific issues that they may face in finding and keeping accommodation. 

HIV/AIDS and housing

This section outlines the range of housing options available to people with HIV or AIDS. It gives information about types of problems faced by those with HIV/AIDS and the accommodation options available. 

Young people and care leavers

This section looks at the housing options and rights of young people and care leavers. It covers the duties of local authorities under the homelessness legislation and the Children (Scotland) Act 1995, and other issues concerning young people's access to housing. 

Asylum seekers and refugees

This section looks at the housing and support options that are available to individuals who have come to the UK to seek asylum.