Filing a Complaint Against Your Landlord in Scotland: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you're renting a home in Scotland and facing problems with your landlord—such as unresolved repairs, unfair rent increases, or notice to leave—it's important to know you have rights and official ways to seek help. This guide explains, in straightforward terms, how to make a complaint against your landlord and which steps and forms to use for fair dispute resolution in Scotland.

Understanding Your Rights as a Tenant in Scotland

Scottish renters are protected by robust tenancy laws, especially under the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016. If you're a private residential tenant, your landlord must uphold their legal responsibilities. Issues might include delayed repairs, failure to return a deposit, illegal eviction, or problems with rent increases.

Before You File a Formal Complaint

Often, disputes can be solved informally. Try to:

• Contact your landlord in writing, outlining the problem and requesting a solution
• Keep clear records of your communications (emails, letters, or texts)
• Check your tenancy agreement for any specific dispute procedures

When and How to Make a Formal Complaint

If your landlord doesn’t respond or the problem continues, you can escalate your complaint to the appropriate service. In Scotland, residential tenancy disputes are handled by the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber).

Common Complaint Reasons

• Unresolved repairs or health and safety hazards
• Unlawful retention of deposit
• Breach of tenancy agreement
• Disputes about rent increases
• Unlawful eviction or harassment

To proceed, you will usually need to complete an official application form relevant to your issue and provide evidence.

Official Forms for Complaints in Scotland

The First-tier Tribunal provides downloadable forms for specific matters. Below are common forms and guidance for renters:

• Repair Applications (Form AT6)
  Use this if your landlord fails to carry out repairs. Download the Repair Application (Form AT6). Complete it with details about your tenancy and repairs needed. Submit to the Housing and Property Chamber following the instructions on the form.
• Rent Increase Dispute (Rent Increase Referral Form)
  If you believe a proposed rent increase is unfair, submit the Rent Increase Referral Application Form. This is used within 21 days of receiving a rent-increase notice from your landlord.
• Eviction and Possession Disputes (Eviction Application Form)
  To challenge an eviction notice, use the Eviction Application Form – Private Residential Tenancy. This is typically used when you are contesting grounds for eviction.
• Letting Agent Complaints (Letting Agent Code of Practice Application)
  If your letting agent hasn’t followed the code of practice, complete the Letting Agent Application Form. Attach evidence like correspondence or photos.

Each form includes supporting guidance on how to complete and submit it. Some applications may be submitted by post or email—refer to the form for submission details.

How to Submit Your Complaint

• Download and fully complete the appropriate application form from the Housing and Property Chamber website.
• Attach any required supporting documents—such as your tenancy agreement, written communications, or photos of disrepair.
• Submit your application:
• By email to: HPCAdmin@scotcourtstribunals.gov.uk
• Or by post to: First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber), Glasgow Tribunals Centre, 20 York Street, Glasgow G2 8GT
• The tribunal will process your application and inform you if a hearing is required or if they require further information.

There is usually no fee for tenant applications regarding repairs, rent disputes, or letting agent complaints.

Make sure to keep copies of your application and all supporting evidence. For many issues, there are time limits—act promptly and check the instructions on the official forms.

If You Need Mediation or Advice

The tribunal process is designed to be accessible without a solicitor, but you can seek free advice from Citizens Advice Scotland or your local council housing team. Mediation may also be available through local services to resolve issues before reaching a tribunal decision.

FAQs on Complaints Against Landlords in Scotland

1. What issues can I raise in a complaint against my landlord?
   Tenants can complain about disrepair, unsafe conditions, unlawful deposit handling, unfair rent increases, breaches of the tenancy agreement, and illegal eviction or harassment.
2. Is there a fee to apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland?
   No. Most applications made by tenants to the Housing and Property Chamber are free of charge.
3. What evidence should I include with my complaint?
   Include your tenancy agreement, any written communications with your landlord or agent, photographs (for repairs or disrepair), and copies of relevant notices or letters.
4. How long does it take for the tribunal to make a decision?
   Depending on the nature and complexity of the case, tribunal proceedings can take several weeks to a few months. You will be notified of any hearings and the outcome.
5. Can I get help filling out complaint forms?
   Yes. Support is available from Citizens Advice Scotland and local councils, who can help you understand and complete the forms.

Key Takeaways for Scottish Renters

• You can formally complain if your landlord fails to meet their responsibilities
• Use the correct official forms for your issue and submit them to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)
• Help and advice are available from national services to guide you through the process

Taking prompt action and keeping thorough records can help you achieve a fair outcome when handling disputes.

Need Help? Resources for Renters in Scotland

• First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber): Submit complaints and access application forms
• Citizens Advice Scotland: Free, confidential advice for renters
• MyGov.Scot Renters Rights Portal: Guidance on tenancy rights and dispute resolution
• Scottish Housing Regulator: Information about social housing complaints
• Your local council’s housing team: Contact details available via the MyGov.Scot council finder

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1. Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016
2. First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)
3. MyGov.Scot Tenant Rights and Dispute Resolution
4. Citizens Advice Scotland

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