Coronavirus

Housing update

The Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020 brings in a number of temporary measures to protect tenants from eviction.  In the private rented sector (PRS) all grounds for eviction are discretionary – meaning that the Tribunal can take individual circumstances into account in all cases.  For the social rented sector (including local authorities and registered social landlords such as housing associations) evictions are at the discretion of the Sheriff who will decide if the eviction is reasonable.

The notice period for most evictions across the PRS and social sector has been extended to six months, with some exceptions including cases of antisocial or criminal behaviour, or if the tenant is no longer living in the property. The extended notice periods only apply to notices issued after the commencement of the Bill and will apply to all statutory tenancies for at least six months.

Where notices have already been served for eviction, and while the Tribunal is currently not hearing any cases, no legal eviction notice can be issued. A private landlord who does issue a notice without approval from the Tribunal will have committed a criminal offence.

Rent arrears

If you are struggling to pay your rent, council tenants can call a dedicated helpline on 01620 827528, email [email protected] or contact us online.  We have also pulled together a dedicated leaflet on all financial support available during the Covid-19 Crisis. 

COVID-19 safety measures

Watch our video about the steps we are taking to keep you and our staff safe. With thanks to Employers in Voluntary Housing (EVH).

Home Energy Scotland

Home Energy Scotland is offering advice to individuals who may be struggling to pay for energy bills during coronavirus outbreak.

Property maintenance 

The latest guidance from the Scottish Government is that Housing Services (excluding repairs) should continue to be delivered remotely (i.e. by phone, email or video) and that face-to-face contact between staff and tenants should only be limited to house moves, now that these are allowed, but with strict safety measures in place.

Council tenants can continue to report repairs in the normal way using East Lothian Council’s Repair Line on 01875 824311. Please note at this time, all internal repairs will be restricted to emergency or urgent only.

We are resuming external routine repairs and planned maintenance such as external paint work and colourwash. With all external work, staff will follow strict hygiene and physical distancing guidelines. We are also carrying out repairs and maintenance in empty properties so that we can re-let them to new tenants - again carefully following Scottish Government guidance.

For tenants seeking to move home The Scottish Government has indicated that house moves, such as transfers and mutual exchanges can now take place, with safety measures in place. If you had previously accepted an offer of one of our properties and the property is ready to let, we will contact you to discuss the arrangements that will allow you to move. Similarly if you now wish to progress your mutual exchange application, you may do so by contacting your local housing office on 01620 827827. We have developed processes that limit the amount of face to face interactions during a house move, which your Community Housing Officer will explain to you.

All Housing offices are closed to the public although customers can still attend Brunton Hall (Musselburgh) or John Muir House (Haddington). However we would ask that, to protect yourself and our teams, you only visit if it is essential (by appointment only) and make contact with us by phone, email or online instead just now.

Travelling community information

A Facebook page has been set up for the Gypsy/Traveller community with information about COVID-19.  A framework is also available to support Gyspy/Traveller communities. 

We appreciate your understanding at this time.

Information on our housing services and local housing offices is available online.