Coronavirus and Housing

Some temporary changes have been made to housing because of Coronavirus (COVID-19)

To help you understand these changes we've put together a list of questions and answers that our helpline has been asked.

What should I do if I can’t pay my rent?

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.

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/

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What should I do if I can’t pay my mortgage?

You can apply for a 3 month payment holiday if you are struggling due to Coronavirus. You will still be charged interest on the amount you owe, but you won’t have to pay it during the 3-month holiday period.

The 3 months’ payments will be added to your mortgage balance, so most mortgage providers will increase your monthly repayments to cover the extra amount. Some lenders may offer to increase your mortgage term by 3 months instead.

If you are granted a repayment holiday due to Coronavirus, it won’t affect your credit score. However, don’t just cancel your mortgage payments without applying for a repayment holiday as this will be classed as a late or missed payment.

You are unlikely to be able to get a mortgage repayment holiday if you are already in arrears with your mortgage.

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Can I claim benefits to help with my rent or mortgage?

If you are on a low income (temporarily or permanently) and pay rent, you may be entitled to Universal Credit with a housing element if you are below State Pension age, or Pension Credit and/or Housing Benefit if you are over State Pension age.

If you are receiving Housing Benefit but are still struggling to make your full rent payment, you can apply to your local council for a Discretionary Housing Payment.

If you receive a means-tested benefit already, in some circumstances you may be eligible for Support for Mortgage Interest; a loan to help with your mortgage costs.

For a benefit check to see what you may be entitled to, or more information about benefits, call the Age Scotland helpline on 0800 12 44 222.

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What if I need to move home during the lockdown?

If you can avoid it, don’t arrange to move home during the lockdown. Try to agree an alternative moving date if possible. However, if moving is unavoidable, for example because you have signed a contract and can’t agree a new date, or you will risk being homeless if you don’t go ahead as planned, follow public health guidance on staying away from others as carefully as possible.

The British Association of Removers https://bar.co.uk/ has advised its members to only carry out essential moves, and only after a full risk assessment, using Personal Protective Equipment where needed.

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What should I do if I am experiencing abuse where I live?

No-one should have to put up with physical or mental abuse, particularly in their own home. If you are experiencing domestic abuse or worried about someone you think may be being abused, you can call the Safer Scotland domestic abuse helpline on 0800 027 1234. For more information and advice, visit www.safer.scot or www.mygov.scot/domestic-abuse for information and advice.

If you are in immediate danger, call 999.

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Can I have work done at my home?

Government guidance says that essential repairs and maintenance in people’s homes can continue providing the tradesperson is well and has no symptoms, and no-one in the household has symptoms.

Work should not be carried out in a home where someone is shielding except if there is a risk to safety without it, for example if emergency plumbing, gas or electrical repair is needed. The person shielding should stay in a different room to where the work is being carried out. The tradesperson should follow the government’s workplace guidance which you can read here.

Work outside the home such as gardening and window cleaning can continue as long as social distancing rules are followed.

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It can be hard to know where to turn for advice. If there's something we can help with or you're not sure where to turn, contact our helpline today. Call us Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm on 0800 12 44 222 or email us.

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Last updated: May 19 2020

Housing and Energy

Coronavirus and Housing

Some temporary changes have been made to housing because of Coronavirus (COVID-19)

To help you understand these changes we've put together a list of questions and answers that our helpline has been asked.

What should I do if I can’t pay my rent?

What should I do if I can’t pay my mortgage?

Can I claim benefits to help with my rent or mortgage?

What if I need to move home during the lockdown?

What should I do if I am experiencing abuse where I live?

Can I have work done at my home?

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