The UK and Scottish governments have implemented a number of support avenues available to tenants who have been impacted financially by the Coronavirus.
The UK government is offering to anybody who is experiencing a loss of income due to the pandemic, further income support and protection in order to sustain your personal income, so you should seek guidance from your employer.
The support is extended to the self-employed, employees on zero hours contracts or those in flexible working arrangements.
There are a number of government services that you should explore if you are directly affected. The main government coronavirus support page is a good place to start but here are some more specific sites detailed here for you too;
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Tenants who need support to pay their rent because their income has been impacted by Coronavirus, can apply to the tenant hardship loan scheme. This is a loan scheme that needs to be repaid and you must meet the eligibility criteria in order to secure the loan. You can find out more here:
https://tenanthardshiploan.est.org.uk/
Tenants affected can claim Universal Credit – this includes support for housing costs. The UK Government has introduced some temporary changes to make this easier for people who haven’t claimed before.
https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit
For tenants who are receiving Housing Benefit or Universal Credit, but still can’t afford housing costs, a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) may apply.
https://www.mygov.scot/discretionary-housing-payment/
Tenants may be able to get support through the Scottish Welfare Fund too.
