The Tenant Hardship Loan Fund

A new fund is offering extra financial support to tenants who are struggling to pay their rent due to the coronavirus pandemic……

The Tenant Hardship Loan Fund, from the Scottish Government, offers interest-free loans to social housing tenants and private sector tenants who are unable to access other support for their housing costs.

If you're eligible, you could get a Tenant Hardship Loan. The loan can be used to cover up to nine months' rent. This can be made up of:

• rent arrears since 1 January 2020, or
• up to three months of future rent payments, or
• a combination of both - but only up to a maximum of nine months' rent.

The loan is interest free but you must pay the money back. You can pay it back over five years. You won't need to pay anything back in the first six months.

It's important not to take on more debt than you can afford. If you don't think you will be able to repay the loan, it might not be right for you.

Before you apply for a loan, you should check if you’re eligible for financial help that doesn’t need to be paid back. For example, Universal Credit or a Discretionary Housing Payment.

If you require any financial advice please contact the Co-operative and we will pass your details to the Citizens Advice Bureau via our AFTAR Project.

You can find out more about the Tenant Hardship loan and how to apply on the loan portal by clicking https://tenanthardshiploan.est.org.uk/