Rent arrears and other debts in student housing

This advice applies to Scotland. See advice for See advice for England, See advice for Northern Ireland, See advice for Wales

You might not be able to graduate or move on to the next year of your course if you owe money to your college or university. 

What kind of debts you might owe 

You might owe: 

  • unpaid rent – for example, if you lived in university halls 

  • charges for repairs – for example, for damage to your room or shared areas  

  • library fines 

  • campus parking tickets.

If your college or university says you can’t graduate or progress because of a debt, you can try to negotiate with them. You can ask if: 

  • you can still graduate or progress if you agree to repay in instalments 

  • they can delay taking action until you’ve had help with your money situation. 

Rules about these types of debts are usually listed in the college or university’s code of conduct or disciplinary procedures. You can check what happens if you don’t pay or what extra charges you might get. 

Get help with rent arrears and other student debts

If you’re struggling with rent arrears or other student debts, you should contact your college or university’s student support or student funding team. They might be able to help you: 

  • understand your options for dealing with the debt 

  • apply for financial help or hardship funding.

Young Scot Lawline 

Young Scot Lawline is a free, confidential helpline available to anyone aged 11-25. It’s open 24-hours a day and offers legal advice on any legal problem, including debt. 

Young Scot Lawline

Tel: 0808 801 0801 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

Website: young.scot