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If you can't pay your rent

Last updated
19 Oct 2022

Your landlord can evict you if you fall behind with your rent. You could lose your home.

Get help as soon as possible. Talk to your landlord about your rent arrears, and how much you can afford to pay back. They're likely to be more sympathetic if they know you're trying to resolve the matter.

Benefits and help to pay your rent 

If you're struggling to pay your rent, you might not be getting all the benefits you're entitled to.

Calculate what benefits you may be entitled to on GOV.UK.

If you live in a council house

Contact your local council right away if you live in a council house and you have a problem with your rent. You'll get advice on:

  • how to pay your rent arrears in affordable instalments
  • benefits you're entitled to and how to claim
  • what money advice services are available in your area
Aberdeen City Council Aberdeenshire Council Angus Council Argyll and Bute Council Clackmannanshire Council Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) Dumfries & Galloway Council Dundee City Council East Ayrshire Council East Dunbartonshire Council East Lothian Council East Renfrewshire Council Edinburgh Council Falkirk Council Fife Council Glasgow City Council Highland Council Inverclyde Council Midlothian Council Moray Council North Ayrshire Council North Lanarkshire Council Orkney Islands Council Perth & Kinross Council Renfrewshire Council Scottish Borders Council Shetland Council South Ayrshire Council South Lanarkshire Council Stirling Council West Dunbartonshire Council West Lothian Council

Housing Benefit

If you're on a low income, you may be entitled to Housing Benefit. It can pay for all or part of your rent. How much you get depends on your income and circumstances.

If you rent from a private landlord, your Housing Benefit is called Local Housing Allowance (LHA).

Aberdeen City Council Aberdeenshire Council Angus Council Argyll and Bute Council Clackmannanshire Council Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) Dumfries and Galloway Council Dundee City Council East Ayrshire Council East Dunbartonshire Council East Lothian Council East Renfrewshire Council Edinburgh Council Falkirk Council Fife Council Glasgow City Council The Highland Council Inverclyde Council Midlothian Council Moray Council North Ayrshire Council North Lanarkshire Council Orkney Islands Council Perth & Kinross Council Renfrewshire Council Scottish Borders Council Shetland Council South Ayrshire Council South Lanarkshire Council Stirling Council West Dunbartonshire Council West Lothian Council

Discretionary Housing Payment

If you already get Housing Benefit but still can't afford to pay your rent, you may be eligible for a Discretionary Housing Payment.

A Discretionary Housing Payment can be made if you:

  • claim Housing Benefit but it doesn't cover all your rent
  • need help with removal costs
  • need help with a rent deposit
Aberdeen City Council Aberdeenshire Council Angus Council Argyll and Bute Council Clackmannanshire Council Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) Dumfries and Galloway Council Dundee City Council East Ayrshire Council East Dunbartonshire Council East Lothian Council East Renfrewshire Council Edinburgh Council Falkirk Council Fife Council Glasgow City Council The Highland Council Inverclyde Council Midlothian Council Moray Council North Ayrshire Council North Lanarkshire Council Orkney Islands Council Perth & Kinross Council Renfrewshire Council Scottish Borders Council Shetland Council South Ayrshire Council South Lanarkshire Council Stirling Council West Dunbartonshire Council West Lothian Council

Money Talk Team

The Money Talk Team service offers free money and debt advice.

The service can help you understand what you’re entitled to and ways to save money.

It can help you find out:

  • what benefits and other financial support you may be entitled to
  • how you can manage debt
  • ways to save money on your outgoings

You can get more information on the Money Talk Team website or by calling 0800 028 1456. You can also visit your local Citizens Advice Scotland for in person support.

Further information

You can get advice if you're in rent arrears or having difficulty in paying your rent from:

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