Young people in Scotland who are facing homelessness have specific rights and routes to safe housing. If you rent or sublet and cannot stay in your current home, your local council must assess your situation and may have a duty to provide temporary or permanent accommodation. This guide explains, in plain language, how to apply to your local authority, what official forms you might use, when to ask for a decision review or tribunal hearing, and how the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 affects young tenants. It focuses on practical steps, timing, and evidence you will need so you can act quickly and confidently when housing support is essential.
Who is protected and when to get help
In Scotland, councils must assess anyone who appears to be homeless or threatened with homelessness and decide whether they are unintentionally homeless and in priority need. Many people aged 16 or 17 and some vulnerable young people will be considered in priority need, which can mean a duty on the council to secure accommodation. The rules for private tenancies are set out in the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 which also explains grounds for tenancy termination and notice requirements.[2]
How to apply to your local authority
Apply to the housing or homelessness service at your local council as soon as you know you are homeless or at risk. The council will take details about your current situation, household members, income and why you lost your home. You will usually complete the council's homelessness application form when you contact them and provide evidence such as ID, tenancy agreements, written notices or photos.[1]
- Contact your local council housing options or homelessness team immediately to report your situation.
- Complete the council homelessness application form and ask for a written acknowledgement of your application.
- Provide evidence such as ID, tenancy agreements, notices to leave, and photos of disrepair to support your claim.
- If you are at immediate risk, ask the council about emergency temporary accommodation and what to expect that day.
Official forms and when to use them
Below are the main official forms or application routes young tenants and renters encounter in Scotland, with practical examples and where to find them.
Homelessness application (local council form) — name varies by council. Use this when you are homeless or threatened with homelessness; for example, if your landlord gives you a notice to leave and you have nowhere safe to go, start with this form and the council may offer temporary accommodation and an assessment.[1]
Request a review of a homelessness decision — councils must explain how to request a review if you disagree with their decision. Use this when the council decides you are intentionally homeless or not in priority need; for example, ask for a review within the council timescale and include the new evidence that shows your situation has changed.
Application to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) — use the tribunal application forms when you need an independent decision about tenancy disputes, eviction orders or certain homelessness-related matters; for example, if the council or landlord's decision is wrong and a review did not resolve it, you can apply to the tribunal for an order or remedy.[3]
Your rights under the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016
The 2016 Act created the Private Residential Tenancy with specific rules on notice periods, grounds for eviction and landlord obligations. If a landlord seeks to end a tenancy, they must use the correct notice form and valid ground. Young tenants should check whether the notice and reasons meet the Act's requirements and ask the council or tribunal for help if they believe the notice is invalid.[2]
Key steps if you receive a notice to leave
- Read the notice carefully and note the date you must leave and the reason given under the tenancy law.
- Gather evidence showing why you cannot leave by that date, such as homelessness risk or vulnerability.
- Contact your council housing options team immediately to register as homeless and ask about temporary options.
FAQ
- What happens after I submit a homelessness application?
- The council will interview you, make enquiries about your housing history, check priority need and whether you are unintentionally homeless, and then issue a written decision explaining any duty they have to house you.
- Am I eligible if I am under 18?
- Many people aged 16 or 17 are treated as being in priority need and councils often have duties to provide accommodation and advice, but the council will assess each case on the facts and your support needs.
- Can I appeal a council decision?
- If you disagree with the council's decision you should request a review through the council process and, where appropriate, apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) if the review does not resolve the issue.
- What should I bring to my homelessness interview?
- Bring ID, tenancy agreements, any notices, correspondence with your landlord, proof of income or benefits, and photos or messages that explain why you lost your home.
How-To
- Contact your local council housing or homelessness team as soon as you are homeless or at risk and ask to make a homelessness application.
- Complete the homelessness application form, provide ID and evidence, and ask for a written decision and timescales.
- If the council refuses help or says you are intentionally homeless, request a review and gather new evidence to support your case.
- If the review does not resolve matters, consider applying to the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) using the tribunal application forms.
Key Takeaways
- Apply to your local council immediately when homeless or at risk to trigger an official assessment.
- Keep clear evidence of your tenancy, notices and any exchanges with your landlord or council.
- Use the council review process first and the Housing and Property Chamber if you need an independent decision.
Help and Support / Resources
- [1] GOV.SCOT homelessness guidance
- [2] Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016
- [3] Housing and Property Chamber application information
