Noise and Intimidation Harassment by Landlords in Scotland

If a landlord’s behaviour makes your home uncomfortable—persistent loud noise, threats, or repeated attempts to force you out—you may be experiencing harassment or intimidation. Tenants and renters in Scotland have legal protections against actions that interfere with the right to quiet enjoyment of a property. This guide explains what behaviour counts as harassment, the laws that apply in Scotland, the official forms you may need, and practical steps to document incidents and report problems. It is written for people who are not legal experts and focuses on clear actions you can take, how to contact the right authorities, and where to find official help if you need to start a complaint or tribunal application.

What counts as harassment or intimidation?

Harassment or intimidation by a landlord includes deliberate conduct that makes it unreasonable for you to remain in the property. Examples below are behaviours that may amount to harassment if they are intended to, or have the effect of, making a tenant give up their tenancy or stop enjoying their home. The primary Scottish law covering private tenancies is the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016^[1], and serious disputes can be taken to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)^[2].

• Persistent loud music or noise late at night that prevents sleep.
• Illegal eviction attempts, threats or abusive behaviour intended to make you leave.
• Repeated unwarranted entries to the property or attempts to access without permission.
• Deliberate disruption of heating, hot water, electricity or other essential services.
• Unlawful deductions from your deposit or threats to withhold funds without legal basis.

How to document incidents and preserve evidence

Good evidence helps when reporting harassment to a landlord, local authority, the police, or when applying to a tribunal. Evidence can include photographs, videos, audio recordings (check privacy and local laws before recording), written messages, emails, letters and a contemporaneous incident diary.

• Record the date, time and what happened, and name any witnesses.
• Keep copies of letters, emails, tenancy agreements and any notices you receive.
• Tell the landlord about problems in writing so there is a record of your complaint.

Official forms and where to find them

If informal complaints do not resolve the issue you can use official complaint channels. For serious or ongoing harassment you may apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) for an order or remedy. The tribunal provides application forms and guidance on the types of applications it accepts^[3].

• Application to the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) — use the tribunals application form when you want a legal order, for example an interdict to stop harassment; the forms page lists the correct application route and required evidence.
• Request or complaint forms from your local council — use these if the problem is antisocial behaviour affecting the wider neighbourhood; councils have local processes and may record complaints for enforcement or support.
• Police report (if threats or criminal acts occur) — report crimes to the police; keep a record of the crime reference for tribunal or civil proceedings.

What the tribunal or court can do

The First-tier Tribunal can make orders such as an interdict (injunction) to stop harassment, orders for repairs, or awards of compensation where appropriate. The tribunal considers evidence from both parties and decides based on the balance of probabilities. You can represent yourself or use a legal adviser.

FAQ

What behaviour counts as harassment by a landlord?

Harassment includes deliberate acts that interfere with your peaceful enjoyment of the property, such as threats, illegal evictions, repeated unwarranted entry, or deliberate disruption of services.

Can I record noise or take photos as evidence?

Yes, but check privacy and local law when recording audio; photos, videos and a dated diary are useful evidence to support complaints.

Which tribunal handles tenancy harassment in Scotland?

The First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) handles many private tenancy disputes and can make orders to stop harassment or award compensation.

How-To

1. Document incidents immediately with dates, times, witnesses and copies of messages or photos.
2. Send a clear written complaint to the landlord explaining the issues and what you want to be done.
3. If threats or criminal acts occur, report to the police and get a crime reference number.
4. If the landlord does not act, submit the appropriate application to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) with your evidence.
5. Attend any hearing or provide written statements; consider getting advice from a solicitor or an official advice service before a tribunal hearing.

Help and Support / Resources

• First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)
• Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 ull text
• Scottish Government guidance on antisocial behaviour and support

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] Tribunal application forms and guidance - housingandpropertychamber.scot