Housing advice

East Renfrewshire Council Advice and Information Services

We provide a high quality housing information and advice service to all residents of East Renfrewshire regardless of tenure.

We cover all areas of housing including:

Tenant's rights
Housing benefit
Discrimination
Disrepair
Homelessness
Harassment and illegal eviction
Arrears
Exchanges and transfers
Improvement grants
Housing options
Financial advice
Legal advice
Advice on social issues

To find out more information on how to find a solicitor through the law society in Scotland please visit the The Law Society of Scotland website

Active referral system

We also operate an active referral system to organisations who can provide specialist or independent information and advice.

Referral procedures have been set up with:

Citizens Advice Bureau
Money Advice
Women's Aid
Environmental Health
Welfare Rights

And other council departments

We will make appointments for you where necessary and provide the opportunity for a follow-up discussion.

Service Statement

You can bring a friend or relative with you to an interview

We will treat you with respect at all times and we will treat any information you provide with sensitivity.

We will provide you with as much assistance as we can and will highlight any area where we may have a conflict of interest.

Energy Efficiency Advice Centre

Please contact Strathclyde & Central Energy Efficiency Advice Centre for all energy advice information

Freephone: 0800 512 012

Or you can write to:

Strathclyde & Central Energy Efficiency Advice Centre
Freepost SC06861
Glasgow
G1 5BR

Section 11 Duties – Homelessness (Scotland) Act 2003

From 1 April landlords and creditors will have a duty to inform councils when they raise proceedings for possession of a property or serve certain notices relating to a mortgage, thanks to new legislation.

Section 11 of the Homelessness (Scotland) Act 2003 will give councils early notice of those households who may be at risk of homelessness due to eviction.

East Renfrewshire Council will use this early notice to prevent homelessness, address debt problems and ensure people can stay in their homes.

The method in which the notice should be provided is set by the legislation..

Additional information can also be found on the Scottish Government website .

All notices should be sent in writing to:

Homeless Advice and Information Officer
Housing Service
Email: HousingAdvice@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk

Confidentiality

We will not disclose any information you provide us to other organisations without your permission except in relation to the principles of the Data Protection Act 1998. This exception allows information to be disclosed which can maintain national security, prevent crime or assist in the detection of crime and to protect the vital interests of the person.

If you require any further information or assistance please contact

Martin McNelis
Homeless Persons Officer
211 Main Street
Barrhead G78 1SY

Telephone: 0141 577 3671
Email: martin.mcnelis@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk