Dealing with Disability-Related Harassment as a Renter in Scotland

If you’re renting in Scotland and have a disability, it’s vital to know your rights if you face harassment from landlords, letting agents, or even neighbours. Scottish law strongly protects disabled renters against discrimination and harassment. Understanding these legal safeguards and the official steps you can take can help you feel safer and more secure in your home.

Your Legal Protections Against Disability Harassment as a Renter

As a disabled renter in Scotland, you are protected by several important pieces of legislation:

• The Equality Act 2010 – makes it unlawful for landlords, letting agents, or other tenants to harass you because of your disability
• Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 – sets out your tenancy rights and landlord duties

Harassment includes: unwanted behaviour or comments, intimidation, threats of eviction due to disability, or refusal to make reasonable adjustments. These protections cover both physical and mental health disabilities.

If Your Landlord or Letting Agent Harasses You

Landlords and agents must not treat you unfairly or harass you because you are disabled. If they do, it may be a breach of both the Equality Act 2010 and their obligations under private residential tenancy law.

Tip: Document every instance of harassment. Save emails, record dates and times, and consider keeping a diary of interactions.

What to Do if You Experience Disability-Related Harassment

If you feel safe doing so, first raise the issue directly with your landlord or letting agent. Sometimes misunderstandings can be resolved through clear, written communication. If matters do not improve, you can take formal action.

• Gather evidence: Keep notes, correspondence, and any witness statements if possible.
• Contact local authorities: Report persistent harassment to your local council's housing team.
• Seek advice: Organisations like Shelter Scotland and Citizens Advice Scotland offer free support (see below).

Filing a Formal Complaint or Taking Further Action

If informal efforts don’t resolve the harassment, you may need to make a formal complaint or use the tribunal system:

• Make a formal complaint: Use your landlord or letting agent’s official complaints procedure. Always do this in writing and keep copies.
• Apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber): This independent tribunal handles disputes between tenants and landlords, including issues of harassment and unlawful eviction.

Key Official Form: Form G – Apply to the Tribunal

• Name: 'Application form for civil proceedings in the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)' (Form G)
• When to use: If you believe your landlord or agent has harassed you due to your disability, you can use Form G to ask the tribunal to intervene. For example, if your landlord repeatedly threatens eviction because of your disability or refuses to make reasonable adjustments, Form G is appropriate.
• How to use: Complete the form with details of your case, attach evidence, and send it to the Tribunal. The tribunal can order your landlord to stop the harassment or award compensation.
• Download Form G from the Housing and Property Chamber

For more about the tribunal, visit the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) website.

Reasonable Adjustments and Your Right to Request Them

Landlords are required, wherever reasonable, to make changes or adjustments in policies or in the physical environment to avoid disadvantaging a disabled tenant. Refusing such requests without valid reason could be unlawful discrimination under the Equality Act 2010.

FAQ: Renters’ Questions About Disability Harassment in Scotland

1. What counts as harassment due to disability in a rental property?
   Harassment can include unwanted comments, threats, unfair treatment, refusal of reasonable adjustments, or attempts to evict you because of your disability.
2. Who deals with disputes about landlord harassment in Scotland?
   The First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) handles cases about harassment, discrimination, or tenancy disputes between renters and landlords.
3. What laws protect disabled tenants from harassment in Scotland?
   The Equality Act 2010 and the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 both offer protection for disabled renters.
4. Do I have to tell my landlord about my disability?
   You are not required to disclose your disability, but if you request a reasonable adjustment, you may need to share relevant information to support your request.
5. What can I do if my landlord ignores my complaint?
   If your landlord doesn’t respond, you can apply directly to the Housing and Property Chamber or seek free advice from Shelter Scotland or Citizens Advice Scotland.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Disabled Renters Facing Harassment

• Disabled tenants in Scotland are protected by strong anti-harassment and anti-discrimination laws.
• You have the right to request reasonable adjustments and to complain if harassed.
• Support is available, and the Housing and Property Chamber can help resolve serious disputes.

Remember, you are not alone. There are clear, practical steps and official channels designed to protect your rights under Scottish law.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Shelter Scotland: Get Advice – Free specialist advice for renters.
• Citizens Advice Scotland – Local offices offer free, confidential help.
• First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) – Submit applications and get tenancy dispute information.
• MyGov.Scot: Private Residential Tenancy Guidance

---

1. Equality Act 2010
2. Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016
3. Form G – First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)
4. Scottish Government – Housing Support Services for Disabled People

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent, Deposits & Increases Tenancy Types & Agreements Moving In & Out Procedures Repairs, Maintenance & Housing Standards Eviction Notices & Repossessions Shared Housing, HMOs & Lodgers Discrimination, Harassment & Accessibility Utilities, Bills & Council Tax Affordable Housing, Social Housing & Benefits Dispute Resolution & Housing Tribunals Health, Safety & Fire Regulations Privacy, Landlord Entry & Surveillance Unusual & Special Tenancy Situations Renters’ Insurance & Liability Homelessness Support & Post-Eviction Help Landlord Duties, Licensing & Penalties Housing Law, Legal Updates & Case Studies Mental Health, Disability & Vulnerable Renters’ Rights Rent Repayment Orders & Compensation