Scotland Tenant Rights: Repairs, Maintenance & Reporting Issues

Every renter in Scotland deserves a safe, wind- and watertight home. Knowing your rights for repairs ensures you’re not left in an uncomfortable or unsafe situation. This article explains renter repair rights under Scottish law, how to request repairs, and what to do if your landlord is slow or unresponsive—supported by current official resources and forms.

What Repairs Must My Landlord Carry Out?

Your landlord is legally responsible for keeping the property in a good state of repair, fit for people to live in. This includes:

• Keeping the structure and exterior (such as walls, roofs, and windows) in good repair
• Ensuring water, gas, electricity, sanitation, heating, and hot water are in working order
• Repairing things that become faulty while you rent
• Making sure common areas (like stairs or access paths) are safe and maintained

These standards are set by the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 and the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006.^1,2

Depending on your agreement, you may be responsible for minor tasks (like changing lightbulbs) but not for essential repairs.

How to Request Repairs

If something needs fixing:

• Contact your landlord or letting agent in writing (email or letter is ideal for records)
• Describe the repair and how it affects you (attach photos if useful)
• Keep a copy of all communication

Your landlord must respond within a reasonable time and arrange the necessary repairs. Emergency repairs (like flooding or heating failure) should be resolved more quickly.

What If My Landlord Ignores the Problem?

If your landlord doesn’t act or disputes their duty, you have official routes to escalate:

• You can apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber), which hears cases about landlord repair duties and standards

Making an Application: Official Forms

If negotiations break down, you can formally seek a decision through the Tribunal. Here are the main forms:

• Repair Application Form (Repairing Standard): Use this if your landlord isn’t keeping to repair standards.
  • Form Name/Number: Repairing Standard Application - no formal number, available on the Tribunal website.
  • How to Use: Complete this form with details of your tenancy, the repairs required, and evidence of your requests. For example, if your boiler hasn’t been repaired after several written requests, complete this form to ask the Tribunal for help.
  • Get the Repairing Standard Application form (official source)

Submit completed forms to the Housing and Property Chamber. They may inspect your home and can order your landlord to do the repairs if they agree with your application.

What Is the 'Repairing Standard'?

In Scotland, private landlords must meet the 'Repairing Standard', a legal minimum standard that covers:

• Condition of structure and exterior
• Heating and water supply
• Wiring and gas safety
• Fire detection and carbon monoxide alarms

If your home is below this standard, this is the basis to request official intervention.

The Repairing Standard is enforced by the Tribunal and found in the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006.²

Can I Arrange Repairs and Deduct the Cost?

Scottish law does not automatically let tenants get repairs done and deduct costs from rent, unless there’s agreement from the landlord in writing. Always avoid arranging major repairs yourself unless instructed by the landlord or in emergencies where you cannot contact them (e.g. a water leak when your landlord is unreachable).

Your Next Steps If Repairs Aren’t Done

• Keep all records of your requests
• Consider contacting local environmental health (via your council) for hazards
• Apply to the Tribunal as above if your landlord still does not act

Summary: Most repair issues are resolved with good communication. If not, Scotland provides clear legal routes for tenants to get help and stay protected.

FAQ: Tenant Repair Rights in Scotland

1. What repairs is my landlord responsible for in Scotland?
   Your landlord must keep the structure, exterior, utilities, sanitation, heating, and safety features in working order and up to the Repairing Standard.
2. How do I apply to the Tribunal if my landlord won’t carry out repairs?
   Complete the Repairing Standard Application on the Housing and Property Chamber website and submit it with evidence of the issue and your previous requests.
3. How quickly must landlords carry out repairs?
   Landlords should act within a reasonable timeframe depending on how urgent the repair is—immediate in emergencies (like a burst pipe), and generally within days or weeks for routine issues.
4. Can I stop paying rent if repairs aren’t done?
   Withholding rent is not a legal right and may risk eviction. Always follow official routes like the Tribunal or local council if repairs are needed.
5. Where can I get help if I’m not sure what to do next?
   Contact your local Citizens Advice, Shelter Scotland, or the Scottish Government for detailed help. See the next section for more resources.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber): For official repair disputes
• Citizens Advice Scotland: Repairs in Rented Housing: Free advice on your rights and next steps
• Shelter Scotland - Repairs and Bad Conditions: Step-by-step guidance and advocacy support
• Scottish Government: Tenant Repairs: Official repairs rights and processes

---

¹ Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 (legislation.gov.uk)
² Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 – Repairing Standard (legislation.gov.uk)

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent, Deposits & Increases Tenancy Types & Agreements Moving In & Out Procedures Repairs, Maintenance & Housing Standards Eviction Notices & Repossessions Shared Housing, HMOs & Lodgers Discrimination, Harassment & Accessibility Utilities, Bills & Council Tax Affordable Housing, Social Housing & Benefits Dispute Resolution & Housing Tribunals Health, Safety & Fire Regulations Privacy, Landlord Entry & Surveillance Unusual & Special Tenancy Situations Renters’ Insurance & Liability Homelessness Support & Post-Eviction Help Landlord Duties, Licensing & Penalties Housing Law, Legal Updates & Case Studies Mental Health, Disability & Vulnerable Renters’ Rights Rent Repayment Orders & Compensation