If you rent in Scotland and face problems with a smart meter, power, heating or water, you need clear steps to protect your home and your rights. This guide explains who normally fixes meters and utilities, what responsibilities landlords have under Scottish tenancy law, and when to contact your energy supplier or the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber). It includes tenant-focused examples, the official forms you may use, and practical steps to record faults, request repairs, and escalate disputes if repairs are not made. The language is plain so you can act confidently, keep evidence, and use the right official routes to resolve urgent and ongoing utility problems.
Who is responsible for smart meters and utilities?
Smart meters are usually owned and maintained by the energy supplier, but landlords remain responsible for the safety and habitability of the property under the repairing standard in Scottish tenancy law. If wiring, fixed heating systems or a failure of essential supply affects habitability, the landlord must act; if the meter itself is faulty, contact the supplier and inform your landlord in writing so both parties are aware. See the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 for the repairing standard and landlord duties Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016[1].
Immediate steps if a smart meter or utility stops working
- Contact your energy supplier first and report the smart meter or supply fault.
- Serve a written request to your landlord asking for repair, including dates, photos and what impact the fault has.
- Keep records: photos, meter readings, texts, emails and times you reported the issue.
- Check for immediate safety risks and turn off appliances if you suspect a leak or electrical danger; call emergency services if needed.
- If the landlord does not fix a qualifying fault, you can apply to the First-tier Tribunal for a Repairing Standard Enforcement Order.
Official forms and how tenants use them
For serious or unresolved faults you may need formal action. The main official routes are the repairing-standard application to the First-tier Tribunal and documentation of gas safety checks. The Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 explains the repairing standard and landlord duties Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016[1].
Repairing Standard application (Tribunal)
Form: Application to the First-tier Tribunal for a Repairing Standard Enforcement Order. Use this when your landlord has failed to carry out repairs required under the repairing standard. Example: you reported loss of heating and no action was taken for several weeks; you can apply for an enforcement order and compensation via the Tribunal. Apply and find the official application and guidance on the Housing and Property Chamber site First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) application forms[2].
Gas safety record (often called CP12)
Document: Annual gas safety record produced after a Gas Safe engineer checks appliances. Landlords must ensure gas appliances are safe and provide records; keep the certificate as evidence. If a gas appliance or meter issue affects safety, raise it with the landlord and the supplier, and keep the gas safety record if provided. Guidance for landlords and tenants is available on GOV.UK Gas safety checks[3].
FAQ
- Who fixes a smart meter: my landlord or the energy supplier?
- Your energy supplier usually handles the smart meter itself, but the landlord must keep the property and fixed wiring safe and meet the repairing standard; if in doubt, report the problem to both.
- Can I withhold rent if utilities are not fixed?
- Withholding rent is risky and generally not recommended; instead document the fault, ask for repairs in writing and seek a Tribunal order if necessary.
- How long will a Tribunal application take?
- Times vary; the Tribunal will acknowledge applications and schedule a case, but you should continue to press for repairs and keep records while waiting.
How-To
- Contact your energy supplier to report meter faults and ask about safety procedures.
- Serve a written request to your landlord that describes the issue, includes evidence and requests a repair by a reasonable date.
- Keep clear records: photos, meter readings and copies of messages or letters.
- If the landlord does not act, apply to the First-tier Tribunal for a Repairing Standard Enforcement Order and attach your evidence.
Key Takeaways
- Landlords must meet the Scottish repairing standard and ensure utilities are safe.
- Keep dated evidence of all contacts, meter readings and repair requests.
- If repairs are not made, the First-tier Tribunal can issue enforcement orders and compensation.
Help and Support / Resources
- First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) application forms
- Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016
- Gas safety checks
