Moving into a new rental in Scotland brings responsibilities for both tenant and landlord to make the home safe. This guide explains the practical safety checks you should ask about at move-in, what official records or certificates to expect, how deposits and the written tenancy work, and which forms and tribunals can help if something is missing. It’s written for tenants and renters who want clear steps and examples they can use when contacting landlords, arranging checks, or preparing an application to the tribunal. Where possible, links point to official Scottish and UK sources so you can follow up on forms and legal duties with confidence.
What safety checks should I expect at move-in?
When you collect your keys, it helps to check that the essentials are in order so you and your household are safe from day one. Below are the common checks to ask for or verify during a move-in inspection.
- Safety: smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are fitted, in the right places and tested on day one.
- Record: a recent gas safety record (CP12) is available for any gas appliances; ask to see the most recent certificate.
- Repairs: electrical, heating and plumbing installations are safe and any recent checks or repairs can be shown.
- Deposit: confirmation the tenancy deposit is protected with a scheme and full details of how to claim it back at the end.
- Evidence: an inventory or condition report with dated photos to record the property condition at move-in.
- Entry: keys, lock changes and any agreed privacy or access arrangements are documented.
Official forms and records tenants should see
Under the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016[1], private residential tenancies carry specific information duties. In practice, tenants should request the following official records and forms before or at move-in.
- Gas Safety Record (CP12): the annual certificate from a Gas Safe engineer; ask the landlord to provide the most recent copy before you move in (for example, do not accept a verbal assurance if you can smell gas).
- Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) or recent electrical safety checks: request proof that installations have been inspected and any identified repairs completed.
- Written tenancy terms and prescribed information: the private residential tenancy agreement and the required information landlords must give to tenants in Scotland.[2]
- Deposit protection details: name of the deposit scheme and how to apply for a repayment at tenancy end, plus the reference or receipt.
- Tribunal application guidance and forms: if the landlord refuses essential repairs or safety checks, tenants can apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) for enforcement and orders.[4]
If checks are missing 20 practical steps
If a safety check or record is missing at move-in, follow these practical actions so you keep evidence and preserve remedies.
- File a written request to the landlord asking for the specific record or repair; keep a dated copy of the message and note how you delivered it.
- Set a clear deadline for action (for example, within 14 days) and say what you expect to be done by then.
- Collect evidence: take dated photos, keep receipts and keep a short move-in log of conversations and visits.
- If the landlord does not act, apply to the tribunal to enforce repairs or to obtain orders that require the landlord to provide documents or fix hazards.
- Seek official guidance from government and regulator pages before paying for emergency repairs yourself unless the situation is urgent.
FAQ
- What responsibilities does my landlord have for safety at move-in?
- Your landlord must ensure the property meets basic repairing standards and legal safety requirements and must provide written tenancy information under the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016.[1]
- Do I have to move in if there is no gas safety record?
- No. If the property has gas appliances, ask for the Gas Safety Record (CP12). If you detect a gas smell or no record is provided, delay moving in and ask the landlord to produce the certificate or arrange an inspection.[3]
- Who enforces safety obligations for rented homes in Scotland?
- The First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) can hear applications about repairs and safety enforcement; local authorities also have duties for certain serious hazards.[4]
- What information should I keep if there is a dispute?
- Keep the tenancy agreement, deposit protection details, safety certificates, dated photos, written requests to the landlord and any receipts for work you agreed to pay for.
How-To
- Inspect the property on collection of keys and make a short dated note of anything unsafe or missing.
- Check that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are present and tested; ask the landlord when they were last checked.
- Ask for safety records: request the CP12 gas safety record and any electrical check reports and keep copies.
- Create evidence: take time-stamped photos and keep a dated inventory to reduce later disputes.
- If the landlord does not act, submit the appropriate application to the First-tier Tribunal using the official forms and include your evidence.
Key Takeaways
- Safety checks at move-in protect you and should include alarms, gas and electrical records.
- Always get deposit protection details and written tenancy terms before or on move-in day.
- Keep dated photos and copies of all communications to support any tribunal application.
Help and Support / Resources
- First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) - forms and guidance
- Scottish Government - private rented sector guidance, including alarms and tenancy information
- Health and Safety Executive - gas safety for landlords and tenants
