As a tenant in Scotland, you have clear rights when your home needs repair. This guide explains who is usually responsible for repairs, simple steps to report defects, what evidence to keep, and when to use official forms or ask the housing tribunal to act. It uses plain language so renters can follow practical steps, including timelines and examples, and points to the main official sources for forms and decisions. If a problem affects safety, heating, water, or basic habitability, act promptly and keep records of every contact with your landlord and any costs you meet.
Who is responsible for repairs?
Under Scotland's tenancy framework, landlords have statutory obligations to keep a rented home in reasonable repair and condition; tenants must report issues so landlords can address them.[1] Responsibility can depend on the tenancy agreement and the nature of the fault — for example, tenants usually handle minor wear and household upkeep, while structural, heating, plumbing and safety faults are typically the landlord's duty. If a landlord does not act after being told about a fault, you can escalate the matter.
How to report a repair to your landlord
Report problems in writing so there is a clear record. Include dates, a clear description, photos, and a request for a repair by a reasonable date.
- Send a written report or notice to your landlord with dates, photos and a clear request for action.
- Give a reasonable deadline for non-emergency repairs (commonly 7–14 days), and a shorter timescale for urgent issues.
- Keep copies of messages, photos, inspection reports and receipts as evidence.
- If there is an immediate danger to health or safety, call appropriate emergency services and inform your local council housing team.
When to apply to the First-tier Tribunal
If a landlord fails to carry out necessary repairs after you have reported them, you may apply to the First-tier Tribunal that handles housing and property disputes in Scotland.[2] The tribunal can decide whether the property meets the required standards and can order the landlord to carry out repairs or carry out works itself in certain cases.
- If the landlord fails to carry out repairs after a reasonable period, submit a repairing standard application to the tribunal.
- Where a repair presents an immediate risk to health or safety, act promptly and tell the council or tribunal when you apply.
- If there is a dispute over responsibility for a repair, the tribunal can determine who must fix it.
Evidence to collect
- Photos and videos showing the defect with dates and timestamps.
- Copies of written reports, emails, and messages you sent to the landlord.
- Receipts for any emergency repairs you paid for and notes of phone calls or visits.
Official forms and how to use them
Repairing Standard application — the main route to ask the First-tier Tribunal to consider a repair case. Some tribunal pages call this a repairing standard application; there may be no single statutory form number for tenants to use, but the tribunal provides application guidance and forms for submitting a case.[2] Example: you reported an ongoing heating failure and the landlord did not fix it after reminders; you prepare an application including your evidence and ask the tribunal to decide.
Written repair report (no statutory form number) — there is no required national “notice” form to tell your landlord about a repair, but you should always send a dated written report (email or letter) and keep a copy. The Scottish Government publishes guidance and suggested templates to help tenants set out repairs clearly.[3]
FAQ
- Who must carry out repairs?
- Landlords are normally responsible for repairs required to meet the statutory repairing standard; tenants must report faults promptly so landlords can act.
- How long should I wait for a landlord to fix a repair?
- Allow a reasonable time depending on urgency — commonly 7–14 days for non-urgent problems, and much sooner for safety risks; always state a clear deadline in writing.
- What if the landlord refuses or does nothing?
- If the landlord does not act after you report the problem, collect evidence and consider applying to the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) to enforce the repairing standard.
How-To
- Notify your landlord in writing with a clear description, photos and a reasonable deadline for repair.
- Gather evidence: dated photos, messages, receipts and any inspection reports.
- Submit a Repairing Standard application to the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) if the landlord does not fix the issue.
- Attend any tribunal hearing or provide additional information when requested and follow tribunal instructions.
Help and Support / Resources
- First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) - apply for repairing standard
- Scottish Government: Repairs and maintenance in private rented homes
- Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 - legislation.gov.uk
