Requesting Repairs from Your Landlord in Scotland: Guide for Renters

Living in a rented home in Scotland means you have the right to a safe and well-maintained property. If something breaks down or needs fixing—from boilers to broken windows—understanding your rights and the correct way to ask for repairs is essential. This guide explains the process for requesting repairs from your landlord in Scotland, including what actions you can take if repairs aren’t made and the forms involved, all based on up-to-date Scottish legislation.

Your Rights and Your Landlord’s Responsibilities

Scottish law requires landlords to keep their properties safe, wind- and watertight, and fit for human habitation. These duties are set down in the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 and supporting regulations¹. Landlords are responsible for:

• Maintaining the structure and exterior (walls, roof, windows)
• Keeping heating, plumbing, gas, and electricity in working order
• Ensuring safety devices (like smoke alarms) are present and working
• Carrying out repairs in a reasonable time after being notified

You must report the need for repairs as soon as possible. The law expects you to allow reasonable access for inspections and repairs.

How to Request Repairs: Step-by-Step

Follow these steps to request repairs from your landlord. Acting in writing and keeping records will help you and may be essential if issues escalate.

1. Notify Your Landlord in Writing

• Send a clear, dated letter or email describing the repair.
• Mention all details (what’s broken, when the issue started, any impact on living conditions).
• Keep a copy of your message.
• Find your landlord’s contact from your tenancy agreement or by searching the Scottish landlord register.

2. Allow Reasonable Time for a Response

• Minor repairs usually require a prompt response (within a few days to two weeks).
• Emergency repairs (e.g. no heating in winter) should be attended to much faster.

If your landlord does not respond or refuses to carry out necessary repairs:

3. Escalate: Inform the Local Council or the Tribunal

• Contact your local council’s Environmental Health department if a repair affects health or safety.
• If the problem isn’t resolved, you can apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber), who handle all private rented sector disputes².

Official Forms and How to Use Them

If you decide to apply to the Tribunal, there is an official form you should use:

• Repairing Standard Application Form:
  When to use: If your landlord has not carried out required repairs after being notified.
  How to use: Complete the form, attaching evidence (copy of your written notifications, photographs, etc.).
  Download the official Repairing Standard Application.
  Renter example: If your heating has been broken for weeks and your landlord ignores your written requests, you submit this form to the Tribunal.

View submission details and further guidance on the Housing and Property Chamber website.

What to Expect from the Tribunal Process

The Tribunal will consider your application, notify your landlord, and may arrange an inspection. If they decide the landlord must make repairs, they can issue a formal Repairing Standard Enforcement Order. The landlord is legally required to comply.

If unsafe conditions exist, the Tribunal’s intervention can ensure your landlord repairs the property and keeps you safe.

Key Legislation for Repairs in Scotland

• Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 – Main law governing private tenancies.
• The Repairing Standard Regulations – Specifies landlord repair duties.

FAQ: Repairs & Maintenance in Scottish Rented Homes

1. What repairs is my landlord responsible for in Scotland?
   Landlords must keep the home wind- and watertight, repair heating and water systems, and ensure all fixtures and fittings are safe and working.
2. How quickly should my landlord respond to a repair request?
   Response times depend on the type of repair. Urgent repairs (impacting health or safety) should be dealt with immediately; less urgent issues may take a week or two.
3. What if my landlord ignores my repair request?
   Record all contact attempts, then contact your local council’s Environmental Health department or apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland.
4. Can my landlord increase my rent because I asked for repairs?
   No, your landlord cannot lawfully increase rent or evict you simply because you requested repairs.
5. How do I apply to the Tribunal about disrepair?
   Complete and submit the Repairing Standard Application Form to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber), with supporting evidence.

Summary: What Renters Should Remember

• Always notify your landlord in writing about repairs and keep copies.
• If your landlord fails to act, local councils and the Tribunal can intervene on your behalf.
• Scottish law offers strong protection—use official channels and forms when needed to enforce your rights.

Proactively managing repairs ensures your home stays safe, and guidance and legal remedies are available if your landlord does not meet their obligations.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) – Official applications and guidance.
• mygov.scot – Tenant Rights – Official advice on repairs and responsibilities.
• Citizens Advice Scotland – Repairs in rented housing – Practical support and advice.
• Scottish Landlord Register – Check landlord details or report concerns.
• Scottish Government – Tenant rights in private rented homes

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1. Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016
2. First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)

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