The Scottish Government can offer an interest free loan to assist private and social sector tenants, where they are experiencing difficulties paying their rent because of COVID-19 restrictions. The aim of the loan is to protect tenants from eviction due to rent arrears, providing short term support that allows tenants to pay rent arrears that have arisen since 01 January 2020 and/or pay up to 3 months of future rent payments.
The loan is intended to provide support where other forms of financial support are unavailable. Where a tenant is eligible for other forms of support - for example Discretionary Housing Payment – then they would be expected to take these up rather than apply for the loan.
Pre-application eligibility
- Applicants should have taken appropriate Advice from a suitable Advice Agency/ Advisor before making an application to the Tenant Hardship Fund. A benefit check should be completed prior to starting an application.
- Eligibility to other forms of support such as Universal Credit or Discretionary Housing Payments should be considered prior to starting an application.
- Applicants will be subject to a credit check and affordability check.
If you think the Tenant Hardship Fund may be an appropriate option for you, please contact our Income Advice Officer Laura Reilly to check entitlement to existing benefits.
How to apply
Applications can be made by visiting https://tenanthardshiploan.est.org.uk/