January 19, 2021
Full articleIn the current ever changing situation we are keen to give a clear picture to our tenants re the advice given by the government and make sure they all have clear direction should they need assistance on the issues they may face during these strange and uncertain times.
The government guidelines outline some important procedures that should be followed about your ability to pay rent. Under the terms of your tenancy the rent is still due however there is financial help if you are having difficulty.
What should you do?
- Stay in touch
Many of us will experience financial hardship in the coming months and we are keen to help. Please make sure to contact us if you think you will be having problems paying your rent. We want to try and help avoid rental arrears and our team have great experience and can advise on how to avoid this.
- Are you entitled to government help?
If you are affected by coronavirus and concerned about paying your rent you can apply for Universal Credit from the Department for Work and Pensions. If eligible, Universal Credit is available for working as well as unemployed people. The UK Government has introduced some temporary changes to make applying for this easier. The following website provides further information on applying for Universal Credit: https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit.
If you receive Housing Benefit or Universal Credit, but still can’t afford your housing costs, you may be eligible for a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP). Further information on DHPs and how to apply is available at:
https://www.mygov.scot/discretionary-housing-payment/.
You may also be able to get support through the Scottish Welfare Fund. Further information on how to apply is available on: https://www.mygov.scot/scottish-welfare-fund/crisis-grants/.
If you are currently a student there may be other funds you can access – contact your college or university and ask for help. See also: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/debt-and-money/financial-support-for-students-s/f-discretionary-funds/
In these unprecedented times, we are keen to keep you updated as best we can and if you would like to discuss these details with a member of our lettings team, please do not hesitate to contact us on lettings@gilsongray.co.uk, 0131 516 5354.
The information and opinions contained in this blog are for information only. They are not intended to constitute advice and should not be relied upon or considered as a replacement for advice. Before acting on any of the information contained in this blog, please seek specific advice from Gilson Gray.
