The charity has previously warned about rising demand for advice around illegal evictions and rent increases, despite legislation being in place to protect tenants.

As we head into the winter, the network is concerned that people facing higher energy costs will continue to face difficult choices on their essential spending.

The Citizens Advice network has been helping people facing issues with rent arrears, or other challenges as a result of prioritising their rent across other essential spending:

An NHS worker sought help from her local CAB for rent arrears having seen her rent increase to £610 per month. She lives alone in a private let with a history of mental health issues. She began to accumulate debt as a result of having to take time off from work for health reasons and fears that she may need to consider alternative accommodation but is finding this a struggle. The client has dogs and is concerned that this would put her dogs at risk.

A man unable to work due to ill health sought help from his local CAB having been issued with a Notice to Quit after building up rent arrears. He had been issued with a rent increase from £595 to £615 per month a few months ago but was already struggling to meet his rent, council tax and utilities costs.

A mother and daughter, both in work, sought help from their local CAB for a food bank referral after prioritising their rent and building up debts in other areas such as utilities. Their monthly rent is £750 and they are worried about their ability to keep paying rent.

CAS social justice spokesperson, Aoife Deery, said: “Over the past year we have seen a huge increase in people seeking advice on rent arrears, suggesting more and more people are falling behind on the rent.

“What we have seen over the course of this cost-of-living crisis is people having to make impossible choices on spending, literally between putting the heating on, the weekly food shop or paying the rent.

“Since the pandemic we have seen a range of legal protections introduced by the Scottish Parliament to offer protections to tenants, and the Scottish Government plan to introduce a Housing Bill in this parliament. That will be a huge opportunity to make sure the system works for people.”

She added: “If anyone is concerned about money, bills or paying their rent or mortgage they should seek advice from the Citizens Advice network. Our website www.MoneyMap.scot offers people a range of options to boost their incomes or cut their costs, and our online advice pages have a range of information people can trust around their housing rights.

“Last year the network unlocked over £142 million for people through things like employment entitlements, social security payments and other benefits in kind. Our advice is free, confidential and impartial and we don’t judge, we just help.”