How Long Should Landlords Take to Make Repairs in Scotland?

If you rent a home in Scotland, you have the right to live in a property that is safe and well maintained. When something needs fixing, your landlord is responsible for certain repairs and must follow legal timeframes. Understanding how long repairs should take—and what to do if your landlord doesn’t act—can help you feel secure and confident in your tenancy.

Who Is Responsible for Repairs?

Generally, landlords are responsible for keeping the structure and exterior of your home in good repair, as well as ensuring installations for water, gas, electricity, sanitation, and heating are working properly. These duties are set out in Scottish tenancy laws, including the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016.¹

What Types of Repairs Are There?

• Emergency repairs: Issues that pose immediate risks (e.g., dangerous electrical faults, severe water leaks, broken heating during winter).
• Urgent repairs: Problems that stop you using part of your home but aren’t as critical as emergencies (e.g., leaking roof, broken toilet if you only have one).
• Routine repairs: All other necessary fixes that don’t fall into the above categories (e.g., dripping taps, minor cracks).

Legal Timescales for Repairs in Scotland

Scottish law doesn’t set strict deadlines for every type of repair, but your landlord is expected to carry out work in a "reasonable" time. However, for Repairing Standard cases and under the Right to Repair scheme, there are clearer timescales.

Right to Repair Scheme

Certain small urgent repairs—known as ‘qualifying repairs’—must be fixed within specified periods under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 Right to Repair Regulations.²

• Qualifying repairs: Examples include unsafe power sockets, broken heating, blocked flues.
  • Emergency repairs: 1 working day
  • Other qualifying repairs: 3–7 working days

If your landlord fails to start or finish a qualifying repair within these limits, you can arrange for a registered contractor to do the work, and the landlord must pay the cost (within set limits).

Private Rented Housing Repairing Standard

All private rented homes in Scotland must meet the Repairing Standard.³ If repairs aren’t completed after you notify your landlord, you may apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) for enforcement.

How to Report Repairs and What to Expect

• Inform your landlord in writing—email or letter is best. Clearly describe the issue and when you first noticed it.
• Keep records of all communications and take photos if possible.
• Your landlord should reply promptly and explain when repairs will be done. For urgent or emergency work, action should be taken within one or a few days.

For most repairs, Scottish Government guidance recommends that landlords act "as soon as practicable"—for routine repairs this might mean within weeks, while emergencies should be dealt with immediately or within 24 hours. Ultimately, timescales should be reasonable for the severity of the problem.

What If Repairs Aren’t Completed?

If you've informed your landlord and repairs still aren’t done:

• Send a written reminder, giving a final deadline (e.g., 7 days for urgent or 14 days for routine repairs).
• Gather evidence of the outstanding issue (photos, emails, texts).
• If the problem persists, consider raising a case with the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber). They can order your landlord to carry out repairs.

Official Forms and How to Use Them

• Repairing Standard Application Form (Tribunal Form - Word download)
  • When to use: If your landlord hasn’t completed necessary repairs after you’ve notified them in writing.
  • How to use: Fill in details of your tenancy, your repair issue, and the steps you’ve taken. Submit to the Housing and Property Chamber.
  • Example: You have a broken heating system, your landlord hasn’t fixed it after multiple reminders, and it’s affecting your comfort and safety.
• Right to Repair Notice (no official template)
  • No specific form, but you should notify your landlord in writing of the need for a qualifying repair. Keep a copy and allow the legal period to pass before arranging your own contractor (if eligible).

The First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) is the official body handling all repairs disputes between private tenants and landlords.

1. What can I do if my landlord isn’t responding to repair requests?
   Try contacting your landlord a second time in writing, giving a clear deadline. If there’s still no action, gather evidence and apply to the Housing and Property Chamber to resolve the issue.
2. Can I withhold rent if repairs aren’t done?
   No, Scottish law does not allow tenants to withhold rent as a way to force repairs. Always pay rent as usual, but pursue formal steps to get repairs done.
3. What if repairs needed are urgent or an emergency?
   Landlords are expected to deal with emergencies, such as major leaks or dangerous electrics, within 24 hours. If there is serious risk, contact your landlord immediately and consider calling your council’s Environmental Health if needed.
4. How do I submit a Repairing Standard application?
   Download the application from the Housing and Property Chamber website, complete it, and send it with supporting evidence.
5. Does my landlord have to tell me when repairs will be made?
   While not required to set exact dates, landlords should communicate about when repairs will happen and respond promptly to your requests.

Conclusion: What Renters in Scotland Should Remember

• Landlords must complete repairs in a reasonable timeframe, depending on urgency.
• For urgent repairs under the Right to Repair, timescales are 1–7 days.
• If repairs aren’t made, you have the right to take action through the Housing and Property Chamber.

Always communicate promptly, keep written records, and reach out for support if repairs are neglected.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) – Apply for repair enforcement or dispute resolution.
• Scottish Government: Tenant Repairs Advice – Guidance on repairs, maintenance, and your rights.
• Shelter Scotland: Repairs – Support services and detailed advice on repairs issues.
• Citizens Advice Scotland: Repairs – Practical help and advice for private tenants.

---

1. Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016
2. Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 (Right to Repair) Regulations 2002
3. Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 – Repairing Standard

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