How to Report Landlord Harassment in Scotland

Living with landlord harassment can be distressing. If you are a renter in Scotland, you have rights and routes to challenge behaviour that is threatening, repeated, or intended to force you out. This guide explains what counts as harassment, how the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 applies^[1], which official forms and tribunal procedures may be used, and practical steps you can take immediately to protect yourself and build evidence. It is written for tenants and renters, not legal experts, and aims to set out clear actions — from preserving messages and photos to reporting unsafe situations to the police, contacting your local authority, and applying to the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) where appropriate.

What is landlord harassment in Scotland?

Landlord harassment covers behaviour that interferes with your right to live quietly in your home, such as threats, persistent intimidation, unlawful entry, or actions intended to force you to leave. The Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 sets the legal framework for private tenancies and helps define tenants' protections in these cases^[1]. If behaviour is criminal (for example a threat of violence or forced entry), you should contact the police straight away.

Immediate steps to protect yourself

• Record every incident in a dated log with times, locations and the names of anyone involved.
• Save messages, emails, photos and any CCTV or audio that shows harassment or unlawful entry.
• Send a written notice or email to your landlord reporting the behaviour and keep proof of delivery.
• Contact the police if you are in immediate danger or if a criminal offence has occurred.
• Report serious repairs or hazards to your local authority’s housing standards team if harassment involves failure to repair essential services.
• Consider filing an application with the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) for a civil remedy if the landlord’s actions breach your tenancy rights^[2].

Official forms and when to use them

There are a small number of official forms and routes commonly used by tenants in Scotland. Use the links below to access the correct form and guidance before you apply.

• Application to the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) — the tribunal publishes application forms and guidance for private tenancy disputes, including harassment or breach of tenancy. Use this when you want a civil order or remedy against a landlord. Example: you have documented repeated unlawful entries and want a tribunal order preventing further entry and compensation. See the tribunal pages for the correct application pack and checklist^[2].
• Written complaint to your local authority housing standards team — councils usually accept complaints online or by email about unsafe conditions or antisocial behaviour linked to housing. Example: if harassment is combined with dangerous disrepair (no heating or water) you can ask the council to inspect and take enforcement action^[3].
• Police report — there is no standard form for criminal reports; use 999 for emergencies or contact Police Scotland via 101 for non-emergencies. Example: if someone forces entry or threatens violence, call emergency services straight away.

How a tribunal case typically works

If you apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) the tribunal will check your application, may ask for more evidence, and could set a case for a hearing or decide on written submissions. The tribunal can make orders (for example to stop behaviour, to award compensation, or to enforce tenancy terms). The tribunal website explains required documents, fees (if any) and the process for submitting an application online or by post^[2].

FAQ

What counts as landlord harassment?

Harassment includes threats, persistent intimidation, repeated unlawful entry, or other conduct intended to interfere with your enjoyment of the property or to force you out.

Should I call the police?

Yes. Call 999 if you or someone is in immediate danger. For non-emergencies where a crime may have occurred, contact Police Scotland via 101.

Can I apply to the First-tier Tribunal myself?

Yes. Tenants can submit an application to the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber). The tribunal website has the application forms and guidance you need to apply^[2].

How-To

1. Collect and record evidence: keep a dated log, photos, messages and receipts.
2. Send a written notice to the landlord reporting the conduct and keep proof of delivery.
3. Contact the police if you feel unsafe or a criminal offence has been committed.
4. Report any dangerous repairs or serious health hazards to your local authority housing standards team.
5. Submit an application to the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) with copies of your evidence if civil action is needed.

Help and Support / Resources

• First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)
• Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 - legislation.gov.uk
• Report antisocial behaviour or housing hazards - Gov.Scot

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1. [1] Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 - legislation.gov.uk
2. [2] First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) - housingandpropertychamber.scot
3. [3] Report antisocial behaviour - Gov.Scot