The Scottish Government has set up a £10million Tenant Grant Fund to be shared across councils to help tenants, in both social rented housing and in the private rented sector, who are struggling financially and have fallen behind with their rent as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eligible tenants will be able to apply for a grant to reduce or pay off rent arrears to council, housing association or private landlords. Successful applicants will see the funds paid directly to their landlord to be credited to their rent account.

The grant does not have to be repaid; but the tenant must agree to maintain payments to their rent account going forward.

Chair of Housing and Technical Resources Councillor Josh Wilson said: “Our staff have worked hard throughout the pandemic to support tenants and we have aimed to always take into account the difficult and changing circumstances it has forced on people.

“This Scottish Government funding is welcome additional support targeted at some of the most vulnerable in our community who have seen their ability to keep up with their rent directly impacted by the pandemic. It is particularly welcome that the funding is available to tenants in both the social and private sectors.”

The Scottish Government has set the following eligibility criteria:

• the grant is available to council and housing association tenants and tenants who rent from a private landlord.
• rent arrears must have been accrued between 23 March 2020 to 9 August 2021 to a maximum of 12 months within this period.
• the tenant is at risk of becoming homeless.
• payment to a landlord will only be made where the landlord agrees that any ongoing proceedings to end the tenancy will be stopped.
• Private rented sector landlords should be registered on the Scottish Landlord Register

The grants are targeted at vulnerable individuals or households who do not have other sources of support.

The South Lanarkshire fund must be fully used by 31 March 2022.

If you are a council or housing association tenant, your housing officer will identify whether you are eligible to receive a payment from the Tenant Grant Fund. If you think you may qualify for a grant, please contact your local housing officer to discuss this further.

If you are a tenant in the private rented sector and you want to discuss whether you may be eligible to receive a grant, please contact YPeople by email SLRDS@Ypeople.org.uk or phone 0141 565 1200. YPeople are working with the council to assess tenants in the private rented sector who may be eligible to receive a grant.

Private landlords who have a tenant in financial difficulty can also contact YPeople for advice and assistance.

Advice agencies working with a tenant who is in financial difficulty and may be eligible to receive a grant, can contact the council, relevant housing association or YPeople for assistance.