Landlord Repair Responsibilities and Standards

What landlords must repair in Scotland

Landlords are required to meet the Repairing Standard under Scottish law. They must ensure the property is wind and watertight, has satisfactory ventilation and heating, and that fixtures, plumbing and electrical systems are safe and in working order. If an item fails this standard, the landlord should arrange repairs within a reasonable time after being told. Tenants should report issues in writing and keep a copy of any messages or photos.^[1]

Typical landlord responsibilities

• Repair structure, roof, walls and exterior items that affect habitability.
• Fix plumbing, water supply and drainage to keep the home safe and usable.
• Maintain heating systems so the property reaches a reasonable temperature.
• Ensure electrical installations are safe and have necessary certificates where required.

How to report a repair and keep records

Always start by contacting your landlord or letting agent in writing. Describe the problem, include dates and photos, and ask for a timescale for the repair. Keep copies of messages, receipts for temporary fixes, and a simple log of calls or visits. If the landlord does not act, explain in writing that you may apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) for enforcement.^[2]

• Send a clear written notice or email with a description and date to the landlord or agent.
• Allow reasonable access for inspections and repairs and agree appointments where possible.
• If the landlord does not respond, consider applying to the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) for an enforcement order.
• Keep photos, messages and a repair log to show what happened and when.

Enforcement: tribunal and legal remedies

For private residential tenancies in Scotland, tenants can ask the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) to enforce the Repairing Standard and issue an order requiring the landlord to carry out repairs. The Tribunal publishes application guidance and the required application form on its website. You may want legal advice or help from an advice service before applying.^[2] The Repairing Standard and landlord duties derive from the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 and related guidance.^[1]

Steps when applying to the tribunal

• Complete the Tribunal application form and attach evidence (photos, copies of written requests).
• Note any deadlines the Tribunal sets and provide additional documents within those times.
• Attend any hearing or telephone conference the Tribunal schedules and present your evidence clearly.

FAQ

Who is responsible for repairs in a rented home in Scotland?

Landlords are responsible for meeting the Repairing Standard; tenants should report problems in writing and keep records to support any complaint.

What counts as an urgent repair?

Urgent repairs are issues that affect safety or basic liveability, such as no heating in winter, major leaks or electrical hazards; contact your landlord immediately and follow up in writing.

How long should I wait before applying to the tribunal?

There is no fixed universal waiting period; give the landlord a reasonable time to respond based on the severity of the fault, and note dates in writing before applying to the Tribunal.

How-To

1. Report the problem in writing to your landlord or agent and include photos and dates.
2. Wait a reasonable time for the landlord to respond, noting the date you reported the issue.
3. Collect copies of messages, photos and receipts to build an evidence pack.
4. Complete the Tribunal application form and attach your evidence and copies of your written requests.
5. Attend the Tribunal hearing or telephone case and follow any orders issued.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords must meet the Repairing Standard and fix serious faults promptly.
• Always document requests and keep photos and receipts as evidence.
• If a landlord does not act, the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) can order repairs.

Help and Support / Resources

• Apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber)
• Repairing Standard guidance (Scottish Government)
• Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 - legislation.gov.uk

1. [1] Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 - legislation.gov.uk
2. [2] First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)
3. [3] Repairing Standard guidance - Scottish Government