Homelessness Prevention support to keep your home
People can become homeless for many different reasons. If you are already homeless, the Homelessness Prevention and Housing Options Team can help.
However, social housing in Edinburgh is in short supply and waiting times are very long. There are alternative options, and support is available to help you stay in your current home.
- Are you having issues at home?
- Are you worried about being able to afford your rent or mortgage?
- Have you been asked to leave by someone you live with, or is your landlord threatening you with eviction?
- Does your home no longer meet the needs of your household?
- Do you feel unsafe in your home?
- Are you worried that you might become homeless, or are you just looking for a move?
If you are experiencing any of these issues or want to discuss anything to do with your housing situation, we are here to help.
We can provide advice and refer you for support to stay in your current home and can discuss your housing options if you would like to move.
If you live in a private rented property, contact the PRS Team
For all other tenancy types contact the Early Intervention Team
Accessing help as early as possible can prevent you from becoming homeless.
Services to help you keep your home, live well and independently. Download our housing support services leaflet for more information about homelessness prevention services in Edinburgh.
Adults and young people
- If you are experiencing homelessness or at risk and need support, please complete the Edinburgh Visiting Housing Support (VHS) referral form.
- If you are aged between 16 and 25 and are either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless Link Living have a variety of services specifically aimed at supporting you
Older people
- Care and Repair Edinburgh have a range of services (including affordable repairs and home adaptations) designed to make it easier for older residents to continue to live independently
Furnishings
- Edinburgh Furnishing Incentive (EFI) service provide low cost furniture
- Gateway provides new tenants with furniture and basic home goods
Money benefits and advice
Mediation
- We provide mediation for neighbourly and family disputes through our Family and Household Support Service
- Cyrenians have specific mediation services for those aged under 24 years
- Sacro provide community mediation services in Edinburgh for a range of issues (including noise).
Energy advice
- Home energy Scotland offer free, impartial advice on energy saving, keeping warm at home, renewable energy, greener travel and cutting water waste
Private tenants
- Private housing help and advice
- Types of private tenancies
- How to complain about a Private Landlord
- If you are at risk of losing your private tenancy
Domestic abuse
Help and support is available for all those suffering abuse by a partner, ex-partner or any member of the household.
- Domestic abuse help and support
- Edinburgh Women’s Aid
- Shakti Women’s Aid
- Sacro gender-based violence services
Homeowners
- Scheme of Assistance for repairing and maintaining common areas of a building