Housing help after separation in Scotland

If separating has left you without a secure place to live in Scotland, your council must help if you're homeless or at risk, and Shelter Scotland offers free advice on 0808 800 4444.

Shelter Scotland and mygov.scot explain your rights, your options and how to apply to the council as homeless. You don't have to face this alone.

Scotland gives you some of the strongest homelessness rights in these islands. Your council has a legal duty to help you when you are homeless or at risk of it, not just once you are on the street. And if you are married or in a civil partnership, your ex cannot simply put you out of the family home; there is a proper legal process, and pressure at the door is not part of it.

• Your local council has a legal duty to help you if you are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and it must provide temporary accommodation if you need it (mygov.scot).
• In a rented home, you and your children have the right to stay until the tenancy ends or the divorce or dissolution is final, even if your name is not on the tenancy agreement (mygov.scot).
• Your ex-partner needs a court order to make you leave; trying to force you out is an illegal eviction and you can report it to the police (mygov.scot).
• One practical point people miss: keep paying the rent even if your ex-partner stops paying their share, because that protects your right to stay (mygov.scot).
• For immediate advice on your rights, Shelter Scotland runs a free helpline on 0808 800 4444, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (mygov.scot).

Checked August 2026 against mygov.scot.

If your living situation is uncertain, get advice early. You may have more options and rights than you expect.

• If you are at risk of losing your home, ask your local authority about homelessness help; they have duties towards families with children.
• You may have a right to stay in the family home for now, even if it is not in your name, so get advice before you leave.
• Check what help with housing costs you can claim.
• Free advice services can help with rent arrears, deposits and applying for social housing.