Housing in Scotland (updated April 2020)
Updated 16 September 2020
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/joint-service-housing-advice-office-leaflet-index/housing-in-scotland-updated-21-april-2020
- Serial No: JSHAO/08
- Date: April 2020
- Review Date: April 2020
Social Renting
Shelter Scotland Information on Social Renting is an information guide on renting socially in Scotland. It explains what social renting is, the types of tenure available and the differences between renting from a local authority or housing association.
Local Authorities
The list below gives details of the switchboard telephone number and the main portal for the local authorities in Scotland. To find the Housing department you will need to ask the switchboard operator for the telephone number or type ‘housing’ into the search area on the website.
Housing Associations and other Charitable Housing Providers
Housing Associations and other charitable housing providers vary in size dramatically from less than 50 properties to a stock of over 40,000. They are becoming the major providers of social housing in the UK. Their objective is to provide affordable good quality homes for rent or low-cost home ownership. Some can accept direct applications whilst others will only take nominations by a local authority.
A list of Housing Associations in Scotland is available at Scotish Housing Regulator. You can search by local authority area or by individual name. It will provide the website address for each Housing Association and contact details.
Shelter Scotland also have a fact sheet on this type of renting.
Private Renting
Private renting is another method of renting a home. It has positives in that you are likely to be able to find a property or room where you would like, but it has many drawbacks including short tenancy lengths, often expensive and unregulated landlords to name a few. To ensure you understand this option completely read Shelter Scotland’s information. There is also information on how to search for this kind of property.
A new Letting Agent Code of Practice began on 31 January 2018. This is a set of rules that all letting agents must follow to make sure they give a good service to tenants and landlords.
The Code explains the minimum standards a letting agent must meet when:
- dealing with tenants
- marketing and advertising a property
- managing a let
- collecting rent
- handling repairs
- ending a tenancy
If you’re a tenant, the Code will help you understand what you should expect when dealing with a letting agent. It will also help you challenge them if you don’t think they’re meeting the standards in the Code.
Home Ownership
If you have could save funds whilst serving, and/or you are expecting a gratuity on completion of service, you could be able to consider some form of home ownership. There are different levels of ownership, depending on the amount you have saved and what proportion of this contributes to your prospective house’s price.
Very few people can purchase a house out right, the most common method is to buy with the help of a mortgage. Other options include Shared Equity or Shared Ownership; this is often a purchase of a house in conjunction with a scheme run by the Scottish Government or a Housing Association.
For more information, you can visit the Veterans Assist or the Scottish Government information site. It is recommended to seek the help and advice of an Independent Financial Advisor (IFA) when looking for a mortgage. You can find an IFA at Service Insurance and Investment Advisory Panel or an alternative can be found at the Unbiased’s website.
Homeless
Becoming homeless is an emergency situation, if you are at risk of becoming homeless, which you could be if you have not secured a home within 2 months of your end of service date (SLA), and your corresponding Notice to Vacate if you are in SFA you can read about what steps you can take on the Scotland Shelter’s website.
Help and Assistance with Housing
Armed Forces personnel can get further housing information from: Veterans Assist, or Veterans Scotland.
Further support for disabled or injured veterans can be found at Housing Options Scotland and their military matters project.
Joint Service Housing Advice Office Civ: 01252 787574 Mil: 94222 7574 RC-PERS-JSHAO-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk