At the end of our busiest financial year to date, we reflect on three cases from March 2026 that reflect the range of queries we receive and the way that we respond to each and every client’s individual needs. We can’t always promise a quick and easy resolution but in the case of Meredith’s problem with an unexpected rent increase, we contributed to create a very positive outcome, achieved in a short pace of time.
Alex’s Story
Alex is temporarily living with his mother, but because of her developing care needs – her needing a full-time carer – and his own additional support needs and medical conditions, he needs to find his own home. He contacted us for advice after making homelessness applications in three local authorities.
Alex was prepared to consider a move to another local authority but preferred to remain close to his mother. One of our brokers connected Alex with an independent financial advisor to talk through the possibility of home ownership. To further explore his options for social housing, we provided Alex with lists of housing associations in his preferred local authorities, while making it clear that he would be in a stronger position applying in an authority where he already had a family connection.
In order for Alex to have the strongest applications, our broker was able to check the priority points on his previous applications to make sure that his additional support needs and medical conditions were accurately represented.
We continue to work with Alex to support him to focus on the best possible option to suit his needs.
Violet’s Story
Violet, who is in her late fifties and has ongoing mental health and mobility issues, was referred to Housing Options Scotland by the NHS, following outpatient treatment. She had been living at her ex-partner’s house because she was struggling to live on her own in her 3-bedroom social housing property.
Her health worker had made enquiries for Violet to downsize in a managed move to a smaller flat in the area of Glasgow where she currently lives, and had secured supporting letters from her Community Psychiatric Nurse (CPN), local councilors and MSPs but without success.
One of our brokers made contact with Violet to discuss the possibility of a move to sheltered housing. We contacted housing associations with properties in her preferred areas and we reached out to her housing officer at her current housing association to explore the chances of her being able to downsize to a smaller flat.
Our broker continues to support Violet’s applications to sheltered housing providers and has arranged meetings with her CPN, Housing Officer & Community Links worker.
Without the support of Housing Options Scotland, Violet may not have considered herself suitable for sheltered accommodation, which potentially would have left her waiting longer for a regular social housing property.
Meredith’s Story
Meredith contacted Housing Options Scotland after her landlord’s agent increased her rent by 20%, with immediate effect. She contacted Housing Options Scotland to explain that she was experiencing financial difficulty and would be unable to manage the rent increase on her pension credit.
Well into retirement, Meredith was looking to move into sheltered accommodation and was flexible about moving from her current location in West Lothian. Passionate about cycling, she wanted to move to an area with good cycle routes so she could stay active and access concerts and other cultural events.
Our broker acted quickly, contacting sheltered housing providers to check whether there were any available properties in her preferred area. There were several developments she could apply for, so our broker supported Meredith to make some applications and to arrange viewings.
Within a week Meredith had viewed a one-bed flat in sheltered housing in a development less than 20 miles from where her son lives. It suits her perfectly and includes storage for her electric bike. She’s now accepted the flat and is excited about moving to her new home and beginning the next chapter in her life.