Landlord Insurance and Repair Claims in Scotland

If you rent in Scotland and face problems with repairs, understanding landlord insurance and how to make repair claims can protect your home and rights. This guide explains what landlord insurance usually covers, how repair liability is decided under Scottish tenancy law, and practical steps for tenants to report faults, gather evidence and submit official forms. It covers when to expect landlord action, how to use dispute and tribunal routes if repairs are delayed, and how insurance may affect claims for damage or temporary rehousing. Where relevant, the guide points to current Scottish legislation, the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber), and official GOV.UK forms so you can follow accurate, up-to-date procedures.

What landlord insurance commonly covers

Landlord insurance policies vary. Read your landlord's policy or ask them to confirm coverage. Typical items include:

• Repairs to structure, heating and plumbing where those risks are covered by the policy.
• Loss of rent or temporary rehousing costs if a property is made uninhabitable by an insured event.
• Public liability and safety cover for injury or property damage to visitors.
• Accidental damage and repairs to fixtures may be included, but check exclusions and excesses.

Who is responsible for repairs under Scottish law

Under the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016, landlords remain responsible for meeting the repairing standard and ensuring a property is fit for habitation. Tenants should report faults to their landlord in writing and allow a reasonable time for repairs to be completed.^[1]

How to report a repair and gather evidence

Follow clear steps so you have a strong record if you later need to use a tribunal or make a claim:

• Report the fault in writing to your landlord or letting agent, with dates and a clear description of the problem.
• Keep copies of messages, written requests, photos and videos as evidence of the issue and of any damage.
• Give a reasonable deadline for the repair and note when you reported the problem and any responses.
• Keep a record of any phone calls and follow up conversations with written confirmation.

When to involve landlord insurance, and when to use the tribunal

Insurance usually covers damage from specific insured events (for example, fire or flood) rather than routine wear and tear or failure to maintain. If damage stems from an insured event, a landlord may file a claim with their insurer. If the landlord does not arrange repairs required by the repairing standard you can apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) for an enforcement order or other remedy.^[2]

Practical tenant-focused examples:

• If a storm causes structural damage, the landlord may claim on their policy and arrange repairs; ask for confirmation of the insurer's decision in writing.
• If persistent heating failure is due to lack of maintenance, the landlord should carry out repairs and the tenant may apply to the tribunal if they do not.

Practical steps to make a claim or apply for tribunal help

Below are tenant-focused actions that may be needed. Check official guidance as you proceed.

• Report the problem in writing to the landlord and request repairs; keep a dated copy of the letter or email.
• Gather evidence: dated photos, videos, receipts for any emergency repairs you paid for, and communication records.
• If the landlord does not act, use the tribunal's application form "Application under the Repairing Standard" available from the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) website; the tribunal can issue enforcement orders and remedies.
• If you apply to the tribunal, prepare to explain the timeline and show your evidence; the tribunal may arrange a hearing or decide on paperwork.

FAQ

Can I claim directly from my landlord's insurance for repairs?

Usually tenants cannot claim directly from a landlord's insurance; you must report the issue to your landlord and request repairs, and the landlord can make a claim with their insurer if appropriate.

What official form do I use to ask the tribunal to order repairs?

Use the tribunal's "Application under the Repairing Standard" form available from the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) website; the tribunal's site includes guidance on when to use this form.

How long should I wait for a landlord to repair an urgent problem?

Give a landlord a reasonable time depending on urgency; for immediate safety issues you should report them right away and follow up in writing, and consider emergency repair steps if necessary.

How-To

1. Report the fault in writing to your landlord with photos and a clear description.
2. Collect and save evidence: photos, videos, bills and dated messages.
3. Allow reasonable access for inspections and repairs after giving notice, unless it is unsafe to do so.
4. If the landlord does not act, complete the tribunal's Repairing Standard application and submit the required documents.
5. Attend any tribunal hearing or provide written submissions and await the tribunal's decision or enforcement order.

Key Takeaways

• Report problems in writing and keep dated evidence of all communications.
• Use the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) Repairing Standard application if the landlord does not carry out required repairs.
• Landlord insurance may cover damage from insured events but does not replace landlord repair obligations under Scottish law.

Help and Support / Resources

• First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)
• The repairing standard guidance (GOV.SCOT)
• Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 (legislation.gov.uk)

1. [1] Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016
2. [2] First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)
3. [3] The repairing standard guidance (GOV.SCOT)