Even if you can’t pay all of your rent, pay as much of it as you can. If you are unable to work due to Coronavirus, check if you are entitled to any benefits, or other support from the government if you are self-employed.
The Scottish Government have launched a Tenant Hardship Loan Fund, designed to help people who have had their finances or employment impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, who do not have other means of housing support.
Click here for more information about Tenant Hardship Loans and to make an application.
Loans will be available for social and private tenants, up to a maximum of nine months’ rent costs. The arrears must have arisen since 1 January 2020. It can include up to three months of future rent payments as part of the nine-month total.
If you have loans or credit cards, you may be able to get a 3-month payment holiday on them to free up some extra money, but this will increase the amount you have to pay later on.
If you are still unable to pay your full rent, speak to your landlord as soon as possible to see if you can agree on a way forward, such as reduced payments for a short period, that you’ll make up when your income returns to normal.
The Scottish Government has asked landlords to be as flexible as possible during the pandemic, and has brought in temporary changes to the law to give tenants extra protection. For more information, see the links below.
Private tenants:
https://www.mygov.scot/private-rental-rights/
Council and housing association tenants:
https://www.mygov.scot/social-rental-rights/
