Harassment by Neighbours: Renters’ Rights in Scotland

If you’re a renter in Scotland and facing harassment from neighbours, it’s natural to feel anxious or unsafe. Harassment can range from persistent noise and verbal abuse to discrimination and threats. Knowing your rights and the official steps you can take is vital. This guide explains how Scottish renters are protected, what actions you can take, and how to get support using clear, up-to-date advice.

What Counts as Neighbour Harassment?

Neighbour harassment isn’t just about disagreements—it involves ongoing behaviour that causes alarm, distress, or threatens your wellbeing. Harassment can take many forms, such as:

• Verbal abuse, threats, or intimidation
• Racist, sexist, or homophobic comments
• Persistent loud noise or nuisance behaviour
• Property damage
• Unwanted contact (in person or by message)
• Discriminatory actions based on protected characteristics (like disability or race)

This behaviour may breach Scottish criminal or civil law, and there are specific protections under the Equality Act 2010 if discrimination is involved.¹

Your Rights as a Renter in Scotland

As a renter, you are entitled to live in your home free from harassment or undue interference, regardless of whether the problem comes from neighbours, landlords, or others. Key rights are set by the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 and protected by the Equality Act 2010.^2,1

• You have the right to enjoy your home in peace ("quiet enjoyment").
• Harassment or discrimination may be a criminal offence.
• Your landlord has a duty to investigate complaints if they affect your tenancy.

What To Do If You’re Being Harassed by Neighbours

Taking action can feel daunting, but Scotland has clear routes for renters to get support and protection. Here’s how to get started:

• Keep records: Note the details of each incident (dates, times, what happened). Save texts, emails, or other evidence.
• Talk to your neighbour (if you feel safe)—sometimes a direct conversation can solve the issue.
• Contact your landlord or letting agent. Landlords have a responsibility to address behaviour that affects your tenancy.
• If you live in a council or housing association property, report harassment to their housing department; they often have dedicated teams for antisocial behaviour.
• If you feel threatened or the behaviour is criminal (e.g., assault, threats), contact Police Scotland immediately via their official contact portal or by calling 101 (or 999 in an emergency).

Legal and Official Steps You Can Take

If informal efforts don’t resolve the situation, formal action is available:

• Antisocial Behaviour Complaint: File a complaint with your local council under the Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act 2004.³ Councils are legally required to investigate such reports.
• Harassment Order: In severe cases, you may apply for a Non-Harassment Order at your local sheriff court to prevent further contact or abuse.
• Contact the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber): If your landlord fails to take action and your tenancy is affected, you can apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) for assistance or to challenge landlord inaction.⁴

Relevant Forms and How to Use Them

• Application to the Housing and Property Chamber (Repair Application Form):
  When to use: If harassment is linked to your landlord’s failure to maintain your home or you’re at risk due to neighbour behaviour. How: Fill out the form and send it to the Tribunal as directed on the official page.
  Application forms and guidance
• Antisocial Behaviour Complaint Form (local council):
  When to use: If you are affected by neighbour antisocial behaviour. Each Scottish council’s official website provides instructions and forms (e.g., Glasgow Council antisocial behaviour report).

What Happens After You Complain?

Councils and landlords must investigate complaints and may:

• Send warning letters to neighbours
• Offer mediation services
• Take legal action (e.g., Antisocial Behaviour Orders)
• Help you apply for a Non-Harassment Order via the sheriff court

If you face ongoing problems or feel your landlord or council isn’t doing enough, you can escalate to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber).

FAQ: Harassment by Neighbours in Scotland

1. What’s considered illegal harassment by a neighbour? Neighbour harassment can include threats, verbal abuse, discrimination, violence, property damage, or intimidation. If these acts cause distress or alarm, they may be illegal.
2. How can I prove harassment from my neighbour? Keep records of each incident—dates, times, witness statements, and any written or photographic evidence. This can support your complaint to your landlord, council, or police.
3. What are my landlord’s responsibilities? Landlords must ensure tenants can safely enjoy the property. If antisocial or harassing behaviour affects your tenancy, landlords are expected to investigate and take appropriate steps.
4. Where do I submit complaints officially? Most complaints about neighbour harassment go to your local council or directly to Police Scotland (if criminal activity is involved). If your tenancy isn’t being protected, complaints about landlord inaction go to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber).
5. Can I move home if harassment continues? Yes, you can discuss options with your landlord, letting agent, or the council’s housing team if you’re in social housing. Support may be available if harassment makes your home unsafe or unlivable.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Renters in Scotland are legally protected from harassment by neighbours, with support available from landlords, councils, and the police.
• Keep detailed records and use official complaint channels for the best protection.
• If informal steps fail, formal complaints and legal orders can enforce your rights and help you stay safe in your home.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber): Hearings and support for tenancy disputes
• Police Scotland – Contact & Advice
• Citizens Advice Scotland: Free advice for renters
• Reporting antisocial behaviour (mygov.scot)
• Shelter Scotland: Harassment or Illegal Eviction

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1. Equality Act 2010
2. Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016
3. Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act 2004
4. First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)

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