Estate Agencies & House Letting Agencies

These agencies should have lists of houses, flats and bedsits to rent privately. Accommodation agencies can help you find a place by matching landlords with tenants, and may charge a fee if they find you somewhere to live and you decide to move in.

You can go into these agencies in person, or email or phone or and leave your name, address and phone number, as well as describing what you’re looking for.

If you are asked for a fee in advance you should refuse, and contact a Housing Aid Centre (go to the Shelter Scotland website to find your nearest centre) or the Trading Standards department of your local council to report this. It is illegal for agencies to charge a fee just for taking you onto their books.

Council Housing Departments

Once you are 16, you can apply to the Council for accommodation. However, the system is quite complex and it can take time. Your priority for housing will be decided on a ‘points system’ when you fill out your application form. This takes into account whether you are vulnerable, your age, if you have dependants, your ties to the area and so on. From that, they decide who is most in need. Even if the department cannot house you they have a responsibility to give you housing advice.

If you make an appointment to see a housing officer you can discuss your housing options. You can also ask for help with rent (Housing Benefit), particularly if you are on a low income or benefit. To find out more about Housing Benefit visit the Shetler Scotland website.

Housing Associations Housing

Associations are non-profit making organisations who provide good housing for rent at a fair price. They get government grants to build, repair and renovate houses. Sometimes housing associations provide housing for specific groups of people such as those with disabilities, or young single people. Find out if there’s one in your area by contacting your local council.

Hostels

Hostels vary in size, quality, length of stay permitted, and who they offer accommodation to. As well as your standard tourist hostel, there may be an emergency night shelter in your area, a longer stay hostel, or a specific housing project for young people. Some hostels do have waiting lists. Get advice from Citizens Advice Scotland, or a Housing Aid Centre.

Foyers

The Foyer movement started at the beginning of the 1990s and provides accommodation as part of a package with training and job search help. Staying in a foyer is based on a formal agreement and commitment from you as a user of the facilities.

At the moment there are foyers in Aberdeen and Cumbernauld. You can contact them at

Aberdeen Foyer - Marywell Centre, Marywell Street, Aberdeen AB11 6JF. Phone 01224 212924

North Lanarkshire Foyer - Cumbernauld YMCA - YWCA, Kildrum Farm, Afton Road, Cumbernauld, Strathclyde G67 2DN. Phone 01236 721382

Shelterline  - Shelterline is a freephone national housing helpline for everyone. Phone 0808 800 4444 (Mon to Fri 9am - 5pm) for advice and support.

LinkLiving Housing Support Services (Edinburgh, Falkirk and Fife, East and Midlothian)- LinkLiving provides a Tenancy Support Service. Support is provided to access, establish and maintain a tenancy. Contact details are below in links.