Landlord Repair Obligations for Renters in Scotland

If you rent a property in Scotland, it’s important to know exactly which repairs your landlord is responsible for by law. Scottish legislation protects tenants by setting clear maintenance standards and outlining what landlords must fix. Understanding your rights can help you keep your home safe and comfortable, and gives you practical steps to follow if repairs are delayed or ignored.

What Repairs Must Landlords Handle?

Landlords in Scotland have a legal duty to ensure your home meets the ‘Repairing Standard’. This means your landlord must:

• Keep the property in a good state of repair, both inside and out
• Make sure installations for water, gas, electricity, sanitation, heating and hot water are safe and working
• Repair any damage to the structure or exterior (like the roof, walls, windows, or doors)
• Ensure fixtures, fittings and appliances they have provided are in working order
• Address repairs to the common parts of a building shared with others (flats, tenements etc.)

The Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 (Repairing Standard) sets out these duties. The landlord is also responsible for making sure the property is wind and watertight and that your home can be reasonably lived in throughout your tenancy.^[1]

What Is NOT Your Landlord's Responsibility?

Landlords aren’t responsible for repairing damage caused by the tenant’s own actions, or by someone visiting you. If you cause damage, you should repair it or pay for repairs. However, for wear and tear or problems that arise through no fault of your own, your landlord must act.

How to Report a Repair Problem

When something in your home needs fixing, let your landlord or letting agent know in writing as soon as possible. It’s best to keep copies of any communication. Your landlord should arrange repairs within a reasonable time—usually as soon as practical for urgent issues (like no heating or water leaks).

What If Repairs Aren’t Done?

If your landlord ignores repair requests, you have formal options to resolve the problem. One main route is applying to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber), which deals with disputes between tenants and landlords about repairs and housing standards.

• First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)

The Tribunal has the power to order landlords to carry out repairs and can set deadlines for this to happen.

Official Forms for Repair Disputes

• Repair Referral Application (Form RR01)
  Use this if your landlord hasn’t completed essential repairs—after you’ve given them reasonable time. You fill out the form, include evidence (such as photos or copies of emails), and send it to the Tribunal. The official guidance, downloadable form, and submission process is outlined on the Repairing Standard Application page.
  
  You do not need a lawyer to apply. The process is designed for renters to use themselves.

Example: You reported a faulty boiler three weeks ago and the landlord hasn’t acted. You complete Form RR01 and submit it online or by post to the Tribunal, attaching your emails as proof that you’ve asked for repairs.

Your Responsibilities as a Tenant

Tenants must take reasonable care of the home and report any repair problems promptly. Always:

• Notify your landlord as soon as something breaks
• Keep the property ventilated to reduce mould or damp
• Avoid causing deliberate or preventable damage

This helps keep your home safe and strengthens your position if you need to escalate a problem.

Repair Standards and Safety Checks

Landlords must arrange:

• Annual gas safety checks by a registered engineer
• Certificates for electrical safety every 5 years
• Working smoke alarms in every property
• Carbon monoxide detectors where required

Failure to provide these is a breach of the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 for private rents.

Summary: Know Your Rights

Most landlord repairs are covered by Scottish law, and you have clear routes for action if problems aren’t solved quickly.

1. What is the Repairing Standard in Scotland?
   The Repairing Standard is a legal baseline landlords must meet, covering essential repairs to the structure, installations (water, gas, electric), and basic furnishings they provide.
2. How long does my landlord have to fix something?
   There’s no fixed deadline, but landlords must repair hazards as soon as possible, and other repairs within a ‘reasonable period’—usually within a month or sooner for urgent issues.
3. Can I stop paying rent if repairs aren’t done?
   No, you must continue paying rent. Instead, take formal steps—apply to the First-tier Tribunal if your landlord does not act after reasonable notice.
4. What official form do I use to escalate a repair issue?
   Use the Repair Referral Application (Form RR01) available from the First-tier Tribunal’s Repairing Standard Application page.
5. Do landlords have to conduct safety checks?
   Yes, gas safety, electrical safety, and smoke/carbon monoxide alarms are all legal requirements in Scotland.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• mygov.scot: Repairs and common problems
• First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) for repair disputes and applications
• Citizens Advice Scotland: Repairs in rented housing
• Scottish Housing Regulator – For Tenants

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1. [1] See the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006: Repairing Standard
2. Official Tribunal: First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)
3. Form RR01 guidance: Repairing Standard Application Forms
4. Private Tenancies legislation: Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016

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