Online Harassment by Landlords: Rights in Scotland

Online harassment by a landlord — including abusive messages, persistent unwanted contact, or public posts that harm a tenant’s reputation — can feel invasive and frightening. If you rent in Scotland, you have rights and practical options to stop the behaviour, collect evidence, and seek remedies. This guide explains what counts as harassment, how to keep records, which official bodies can help, and when to use police, the Housing and Property Chamber, or the courts. It uses clear, tenant-focused language so you can act even without legal experience. Read the steps for reporting, the forms you may need, and where to find trusted official support if harassment continues.

What counts as online harassment by a landlord?

Online harassment covers a range of behaviour. It may be criminal, a breach of your tenancy, or both. Common examples include posts that threaten you, share private information, or repeatedly contact you after you asked them to stop.

• Persistent unwanted contact or messages online
• Threatening or abusive posts that harm reputation
• Sharing private photos, location details, or personal data without consent
• Repeated demands for payment or threats linked to rent or deposit

Immediate steps you can take

Act quickly to protect yourself and preserve evidence. Simple, clear records make official complaints more effective.

• Save screenshots, emails, timestamps and any links showing the behaviour
• Write to the landlord (email or letter) saying the behaviour must stop and keep a copy
• If you feel threatened or in immediate danger, call Police Scotland or dial 999

Forms and official applications you may use

Below are the main official routes tenants in Scotland use. Each item names the form or application, when to use it, and a short tenant-focused example.

• Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016^[1] — Not a form but the primary legislation setting out private residential tenancy duties and prohibited conduct; use this to check tenancy obligations if a landlord's online behaviour breaches your rights.
• Housing and Property Chamber application forms^[2] — Use the Chamber's application (available on the official site) when you seek a civil remedy such as an order about tenancy behaviour or a determination that the landlord has breached tenancy duties. Example: you file an application with evidence that online harassment amounts to a breach of the tenancy.
• Apply for an interdict at the Sheriff Court^[3] — An interdict is a court order to stop someone doing something. Use this when harassment is ongoing and you need an immediate legal prohibition. Example: ask the sheriff court to prohibit the landlord from publishing your personal details or contacting you online.

How a complaint or case usually proceeds

Process can vary, but common stages are: record the behaviour, try a written complaint to the landlord, report criminal behaviour to police, then consider tribunal or court remedies if it continues.

• Record the harassment with dates, screenshots, and witness details
• Send a clear written complaint to the landlord asking them to stop
• Report threats or criminal conduct to Police Scotland
• If unresolved, apply to the Housing and Property Chamber or seek an interdict from the Sheriff Court

FAQ

Can my landlord post about me online?

Yes, but if the posts are abusive, threatening, or disclose private information they may be unlawful; keep evidence and consider police or tribunal action.

Will the Housing and Property Chamber handle online harassment?

The Chamber can consider tenancy-related breaches and issue orders; criminal matters should also be reported to police.

Should I contact Police Scotland?

Yes, if you feel threatened, if there are threats of violence, or if your private information is shared in ways that may be a criminal offence.

How-To

1. Document the harassment with screenshots, message headers and a dated timeline
2. Save originals and make backups in a secure folder
3. Send a clear written complaint to your landlord setting out dates and the remedy you want
4. If you are threatened or in danger, call Police Scotland immediately
5. If harassment continues, apply to the Housing and Property Chamber with your evidence
6. Consider asking the Sheriff Court for an interdict if you need a court order to stop the behaviour

Help and Support / Resources

• Housing and Property Chamber (First-tier Tribunal for Scotland)
• Scottish Government: Private renting guidance
• Police Scotland

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1. [1] Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 - legislation.gov.uk
2. [2] Housing and Property Chamber - Make an application
3. [3] Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service - Interdicts