If you're renting a home in Scotland, it's important to know your rights and understand what types of behaviour from your landlord may legally be considered harassment. Harassment by a landlord can take many forms, and Scottish law offers strong protections to ensure renters feel safe and secure in their homes. This article explains what qualifies as landlord harassment, outlines your legal rights, and provides practical steps you can take if you suspect you're being harassed.
What Is Landlord Harassment?
Landlord harassment happens when a landlord (or someone acting on their behalf) behaves in a way intended to make you leave your home or make your life as a tenant difficult. In Scotland, this is covered by the Housing (Scotland) Act 1988, Section 22.[1]
Harassment isn't always obvious. It can include actions or threats that interfere with your comfort, privacy, or the peaceful enjoyment of your home.
Examples of Landlord Harassment
- Entering your home without proper notice, except in emergencies
- Cutting off essential services (gas, electricity, water)
- Threatening you with eviction or physical harm
- Refusing to carry out essential repairs to pressure you to leave
- Excessive or unnecessary visits and communications
- Changing the locks without your agreement
- Removing or interfering with your belongings
For a more detailed list, consult the Scottish Government's official tenant guide on harassment.
Your Legal Rights as a Renter in Scotland
Under Scottish law, landlords must not harass tenants or illegally evict them. The Housing (Scotland) Act 1988 makes it an offence for a landlord to do anything intended to force you out or interfere with your enjoyment of the property.
- Even if a landlord is entitled to regain possession (for example, if your tenancy has ended), they must follow proper legal procedures.
- Attempting to force you out without a tribunal-approved eviction order is illegal.
How to Respond if You Experience Harassment
If you believe your landlord is harassing you, you are not alone—and there are clear steps you can take to protect your rights and wellbeing.
- Stay calm and keep records: Note every incident, with dates, times, and what was said or done.
- Gather evidence: Save texts, emails, letters, or take photographs if relevant.
- Request written communication: Politely ask your landlord to communicate only in writing, which can help prevent misunderstandings.
- Seek legal advice or support: Contact a tenant support organisation (see resources below) or your local council's housing department.
- Report criminal activity: If you feel threatened or your safety is at risk, contact Police Scotland immediately.
Reporting Harassment: Official Forms and Processes
To formally challenge a landlord’s behaviour or report harassment, you can apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber).
- Form: Application to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (No standard form number for harassment cases)
- When to use it: If informal resolution does not work, or the harassment is severe, tenants can apply directly to the tribunal.
- How to use: Download and complete the relevant Application Form for Tenants, attach all your evidence, and submit it as directed on the form. For help, see the official tribunal guidance.
The tribunal can order your landlord to stop the harassment, compensate you, or issue other remedies.
What to Expect from the First-tier Tribunal
The tribunal is an independent legal body that can resolve disputes between tenants and landlords, including cases of harassment or illegal eviction. Learn more or start an application on the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland Housing and Property Chamber website.[2]
- What is considered landlord harassment in Scotland? Landlord harassment covers any deliberate act by a landlord intended to make your life as a tenant uncomfortable or to pressure you to leave, such as threats, repeated unannounced visits, or cutting off utilities.
- Can my landlord enter my property without my permission? No, unless it’s an emergency. In most cases, landlords must give at least 24 hours’ notice and can only enter at reasonable times.
- What should I do if my landlord harasses me? Keep detailed records, gather evidence, seek advice from official sources, and consider applying to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland if the harassment continues.
- Can the tribunal stop my landlord from harassing me? Yes, the tribunal can issue binding orders to stop harassment and may award compensation or other remedies.
- Which law protects tenants from landlord harassment in Scotland? The Housing (Scotland) Act 1988, Section 22 protects renters from harassment and illegal eviction.
Key Takeaways
- Harassment by landlords is illegal under Scottish law.
- Tenants can take clear steps to protect themselves, gather evidence, and seek help.
- The First-tier Tribunal for Scotland can offer legal remedies, orders, and compensation.
Understanding your rights is the first step toward a safe and respectful renting experience.
Need Help? Resources for Renters
- First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) – apply, get guidance, and resolve disputes
- Scottish Government Tenant Guide: Harassment & Illegal Eviction
- Citizens Advice Scotland – Housing Advice
- mygov.scot – Problems with your landlord
- Police Scotland – in case of threats or immediate risk
