Being a tenant in Scotland means you have the right to a safe, well-maintained home. This checklist explains the Scottish Repairing Standard in plain language, shows steps renters can take to report problems, documents what landlords must do, and how to escalate a repair if it is not fixed. Whether you rent privately or through a social landlord, the guidance covers common repair issues such as heating, water, structural safety and pest control, and describes what evidence to collect, reasonable timeframes to expect, and how the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) can help. Use this guide to protect your rights and to act confidently when arranging or chasing repairs.
What the repairing standard requires
The Scottish Repairing Standard sets minimum conditions that a landlord must meet so rented homes are safe, wind and watertight, and in a reasonable state of repair. It applies to most private tenancies created after the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 and to many existing private tenancies; it also sits alongside health and safety duties. If a repair affects safety (for example heating failure in winter or a gas leak), treat it as urgent.
Landlord responsibilities
Landlords must repair and maintain the property, keep installations for water, gas and electricity working, and ensure heating and sanitary fittings are in repair. They must also respect tenant privacy and give notice before any entry to carry out repairs. If a landlord refuses or delays necessary repairs, tenants can lodge an application with the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) to request a Repairing Standard Enforcement Order.[2]
Tenant checklist
- Report repairs in writing to your landlord, including dates, a clear description and photos or video as evidence.
- Keep dated photos, videos and a short log of faults and all correspondence with dates and names.
- Allow reasonable access for repairs after you and the landlord agree a time and notice period.
- Note any deadlines or promises; if no reasonable action is taken within a few weeks for non-urgent issues, escalate in writing.
- Keep rent receipts and avoid withholding rent without legal advice; withholding can risk your tenancy.
Official forms and when to use them
- Application for a Repairing Standard Enforcement Order — use this official application to ask the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) to inspect and order repairs when the landlord will not act; complete the tribunal application and attach your evidence and correspondence.[2]
- Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 — this is the legislation that introduced the modern private residential tenancy framework and affects tenant and landlord rights; consult the text to understand legal duties.[1]
- Scottish Government guidance on the Repairing Standard — use official guidance to check examples of defects covered by the standard and the expected responses for common problems.[3]
When to contact the First-tier Tribunal
If a landlord does not carry out necessary repairs after reasonable written requests and time to act, you can apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) for a Repairing Standard Enforcement Order. Prepare your application by collecting dated evidence, copies of written requests, and any replies from the landlord.
FAQ
- What is the Scottish Repairing Standard?
- The Repairing Standard sets minimum conditions landlords must meet to keep a private rented home safe and in good repair in Scotland.
- How long should I wait for a landlord to fix a repair?
- Reasonable times depend on urgency: immediate risks (gas leak, no heating in winter) need immediate action; other repairs should be addressed within days or weeks depending on severity and arrangements made with the landlord.
- Can I apply to the tribunal myself?
- Yes. Tenants can apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) for a Repairing Standard Enforcement Order if the landlord fails to carry out their duties after reasonable notice and requests.
How-To
- Write to your landlord explaining the problem, include dates, clear descriptions and photos or video as evidence.
- Allow a reasonable time for the landlord to respond, and record any promised timescales in writing.
- Follow up with a second written request if repairs are not started, keeping all replies and receipts.
- If no action is taken, download and complete the tribunal application for a Repairing Standard Enforcement Order and attach your evidence.[2]
- Submit the application to the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) and pay any required fee or apply for a waiver if you qualify.
- Prepare for any inspection or hearing by organising your evidence and be ready to explain the impact of the defect on your safety and wellbeing.
Help and Support / Resources
- First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber)
- Scottish Government (official guidance and public services)
- Legislation.gov.uk (statute and explanatory details)
