Repairs in Short-Term Lets and Holiday Rentals in Scotland

Tenants and short-term renters in Scotland often worry about who must fix problems in holiday lets and short-term lets. This guide explains what you can reasonably expect from an owner or manager, how to report urgent and non-urgent faults, and what steps to take if repairs are delayed. It uses plain language to describe landlord obligations under Scottish tenancy law, how to gather evidence and keep records, and when to contact the Housing and Property Chamber or your local authority for help. It is written for people staying for short periods as guests or renters and aims to give clear, practical advice about safety, basic habitability and escalations so you can resolve issues quickly and safely while in Scotland.

Who is responsible for repairs in short-term lets?

In Scotland the owner or manager of the property is normally responsible for keeping a short-term let safe and habitable. The Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 sets out core landlord obligations for private residential tenancies, and similar principles apply for many holiday and short-term arrangements where the owner controls the property and services^[1]. If a manager or agent agreed in writing to provide services, those terms matter too.

Common repair issues and immediate steps

If you find a fault, take prompt, practical steps to protect safety and evidence. Make clear, dated notes and ask the owner or agent to confirm receipt of your report.

• Contact the owner or agent in writing (email or messaging) and describe the fault and any immediate safety concerns.
• Keep photos, videos and a short log of dates and times you reported the issue and any responses.
• Allow reasonable access for urgent repairs where safe to do so and agree a time in writing for tradespeople to visit.
• Seek a tribunal hearing through the Housing and Property Chamber if the landlord repeatedly fails to carry out essential repairs.

Official forms and when to use them

There are official routes to enforce repair obligations. Two commonly used channels are the Housing and Property Chamber of the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland and local authority housing standards or environmental health teams. You will normally try to resolve matters with the owner first, then escalate.

Application for a Repairing Standard Enforcement Order

The Housing and Property Chamber accepts applications to enforce the repairing standard. The form is commonly called an application for a Repairing Standard enforcement order and is available from the tribunal website. Tenants use this when a landlord fails to complete repairs that affect safety or habitability; for example, if a holiday let has persistent electrical faults or no heating and the owner does not act after reasonable notice^[2]. The application asks for details, evidence and the remedy you seek.

Local authority complaint / reporting

If a fault is a safety or building standards issue you can also report it to the local authority or the relevant Scottish Government guidance on the repairing standard. Local authorities can investigate standards in privately rented properties and may offer advice or enforcement in appropriate cases, particularly where public safety is affected^[3].

How to escalate safely

If the owner does not act within a reasonable time, raise the issue again in writing, include evidence, and set a reasonable deadline. Where urgent safety risks exist, mention threat to health or safety and seek immediate local authority advice.

• Write a clear, dated message that sets out the problem and requests action by a specific date.
• Attach photographic evidence and copies of previous messages to show the history.
• Submit an application to the Housing and Property Chamber if the landlord still does not fix essential issues.

FAQ

Who pays for emergency repairs in a short-term let?

Usually the owner/manager pays. If you pay for an emergency repair to protect life or property, keep receipts and ask the owner in writing for reimbursement; you may use that evidence if you apply to the tribunal.

Can a landlord enter to make repairs while I am staying?

Managers should give reasonable notice and agree an access time. For urgent safety issues, short-notice access may be necessary but should still be reasonable and discussed where possible.

What if the owner blames previous guests or normal wear and tear?

Document the issue with dates and photos and point to any deposit or inventory evidence. If the owner refuses to act, you can apply to the tribunal with supporting records.

How-To

1. Document the problem clearly with photos, video and a dated log.
2. Contact the owner or agent in writing and ask for repair within a reasonable timescale.
3. If unresolved, submit an application to the Housing and Property Chamber with copies of your evidence.
4. Attend any hearing or provide the requested evidence and follow tribunal directions.

Key Takeaways

• Owners or managers are generally responsible for basic safety and repairs in short-term lets.
• Keep dated photos, messages and receipts to support any complaint or tribunal application.
• The Housing and Property Chamber can issue enforcement orders when repairs are not completed.

Help and Support / Resources

• Housing and Property Chamber (First-tier Tribunal for Scotland)
• Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 on legislation.gov.uk
• Scottish Government guidance on the repairing standard

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