February 2025 was a busy month for new clients getting in touch with Housing Options Scotland. February’s clients came to as, as normal, with various different housing issues. The client stories below outline a sample of a number of complex housing issues our clients faced this month.
Homelessness and Legal Rights: In February, HOS clients with complex housing situations began to be able to get advice from Legal Services Agencies. One particular client came to us after his elderly father had passed away, leaving him and his mother, whom he cared for, in a privately rented property. Unfortunately, the landlord decided to sell the property, forcing the client to begin searching for a new place to live.
During his search, the client quickly realised that he couldn’t find a property within his budget that had a downstairs bedroom and bathroom suitable for his mother’s needs. Feeling overwhelmed, he reached out to HOS for assistance.
After an extensive phone call with our broker, who explored various options, including the possibility of the client’s mother seeking sheltered housing and the client finding independent accommodation, they decided to apply for homelessness assistance together.
Shortly after, the client contacted our broker again, explaining that he had encountered a disagreement with his current landlord, who was providing conflicting information about what he needed to comply with. The client wanted to better understand his rights as a tenant.
Recognising the need for expert guidance, our broker arranged for the client to speak with LSA regarding both the homelessness process and his rights under the current tenancy. Following this conversation, the client felt much more confident about the next steps.
The legal advice provided by LSA has been invaluable to the client, and our broker is continuing to work closely with them to ensure they receive the support needed throughout the homelessness application process. This partnership between HOS, LSA, and the client is crucial in navigating such a complex situation, and we are hopeful it will lead to a positive outcome, ensuring stability and security for the client and his mother.
Reassurance of the homeless process: A veteran got in touch with us early this year, due to his accommodation being unsuitable for a number of reasons. The accommodation the client was staying in was also a temporary solution, and after a conversation with our broker, we realised that they weren’t able to stay in this home permanently.
During their initial conversation, it became evident that the client was feeling anxious about the homelessness process, particularly concerned about where he might be placed within his local authority area. The client expressed his reluctance to make a homelessness application, fearing the potential outcomes.
Our broker, understanding and empathetic to the client’s concerns, took the time to explain that submitting a homelessness application would at least provide him with the opportunity to be rehoused in an area of his preference, as opposed to having no chance at all if he chose not to apply.
The broker reassured the client by providing clear, supportive information about the process and allowed him time to consider his options. Additionally, the broker shared the contact details for the homelessness team in case the client decided to proceed with the application.
Thanks to the broker’s thoughtful guidance, the client felt more confident in his ability to make an informed decision. With this new understanding, he recognised that applying for homelessness offered a better chance of securing a suitable and preferred housing option, rather than facing an uncertain outcome by not applying at all.
A veterans relocation: Jean reached out to us with the intention of relocating to Scotland after living in England for several years. Having previously lived in Scotland, Jean was eager to return but was currently staying with a family member on a temporary basis while exploring their options.
During a conversation with our broker, several potential housing solutions emerged. Since Jean had a considerable amount of savings, our broker suggested that purchasing a home could be the quickest option. However, Jean wanted to keep all options open and explore different possibilities. It soon became clear that Jean was interested in housing with some form of support, prompting our broker to suggest sheltered accommodation as a viable option.
Jean expressed interest but was concerned about the application process, given that they were still residing in England. Our broker reassured Jean that they could still apply for sheltered housing and provided all the necessary information to get started.
If Jean hadn’t reached out to HOS, they may not have considered sheltered housing, despite recognizing that they could benefit from support. Thanks to the guidance provided by our broker, Jean was made aware of this option and now feels much more confident about their next steps in the relocation process.
Assistance with applications: Johnny first contacted Housing Options Scotland at the end of October 2024 after being placed in temporary accommodation, following several short stays in travel lodges across multiple local authority areas. Unfortunately, the temporary accommodation was completely unsuitable for his needs as a wheelchair user.
During his initial conversation with one of our brokers, it became clear that Johnny was also facing another barrier, he was unable to complete housing application forms on his phone, and he didn’t have access to another device with internet connectivity. Once this issue was identified, we stepped in to help him apply to five different landlords and arranged several property viewings. Unfortunately, none of the properties were suitable for his needs.
In one instance, a property that seemed ideal for Johnny was offered to someone else on the very same day we were made aware of it. While we were initially hopeful that Johnny would receive a quick rehousing offer, the process has proven to be more challenging than anticipated.
Despite the setbacks, we are supporting Johnny through the highs and lows of the journey. While progress has been slow, we remain optimistic that the right property will become available soon, and we will continue working to ensure he has every opportunity to find a suitable home.