Support Services for Harassed Tenants in Scotland

If you are a renter in Scotland facing harassment, discrimination, or being refused reasonable adjustments for a disability, it is important to understand your rights and know where to turn for help. This guide walks you through the support services, complaint procedures, and official resources available specifically for tenants in Scotland.

Understanding Tenant Harassment and Discrimination

Harassment can include threats, intimidating behaviour, cutting off services (like electricity or water), or repeated unwanted contact from your landlord or their agent. Discrimination may occur if you are treated unfairly due to protected characteristics such as disability, race, gender, or religion. In Scotland, strong protections exist for tenants under the Equality Act 2010 and Scottish housing law.

Your Rights as a Tenant

• The right to enjoy your home in peace, without harassment
• Protection from discrimination under the Equality Act 2010
• The right to request reasonable adjustments if you are disabled

For private renters, the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 provides specific rights and complaint procedures¹.

What To Do If You Experience Harassment or Discrimination

If you feel unsafe or believe your rights have been breached, several official support options are available. The best approach is to keep detailed records, communicate in writing, and use official channels.

Steps to Take

• Keep a diary: Record dates, times, and details of harassment or unfair treatment.
• Contact your landlord in writing: Clearly explain the issue and request that the behaviour stops.
• Seek advice or support: Reach out to official support services listed below.
• Escalate your complaint: If issues continue, you may be able to formally complain or apply to an official tribunal.

Official Forms and Practical Steps for Renters

In Scotland, certain forms help tenants formally raise complaints or seek official support.

• Application to the First-tier Tribunal Housing and Property Chamber
  
  • Form: Application Form for Private Rented Sector
  • When to use it? If your landlord is harassing you, failing to comply with tenancy law, or has not made reasonable disability adjustments.
  • Example: If a landlord repeatedly ignores reasonable adjustment requests under the Equality Act 2010, you can use this form to start a tribunal case.
  • Apply to the Housing and Property Chamber
• Letting Agent Complaints
  
  • Form: Letting Agent Complaints Application
  • When to use it? If a letting agent is the source of harassment or discrimination, and has breached the letting agent code of practice.
  • Letting Agent Application Process
• Contacting the Police
  
  • If you feel threatened, are physically harmed, or feel in immediate danger, contact Police Scotland right away.

Support Services and Advocacy Organisations

There are several official and independent organisations that provide free support to renters facing harassment or accessibility barriers.

Where to Get Help

• Citizens Advice Scotland – Free confidential advice on discrimination, tenant rights, and complaint processes.
• Tenant Advice (Shelter Scotland) – Advice on harassment, unsafe properties, eviction, and requesting reasonable adjustments.
• Equality Advisory and Support Service – Guidance for tenants facing discrimination under the Equality Act 2010.

Reasonable Adjustments and Accessibility

If you are disabled and your landlord refuses adjustments (such as allowing guide dogs or installing ramps), official advice is available from mygov.scot: Renting rights and the Equality Advisory and Support Service.

FAQ: Support for Harassed Tenants in Scotland

1. What should I do if my landlord is harassing me in Scotland?
   Record all incidents, contact your landlord in writing, seek advice from Citizens Advice Scotland, and if needed, apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber).
2. Which official body can decide my harassment complaint?
   The First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) handles tenant disputes, including harassment and discrimination cases.
3. Do I need to use a specific form to raise a harassment case?
   Yes. Use the application form for the Housing and Property Chamber. Find official information and forms via their private rented sector application page.
4. What if my letting agent is the problem?
   You can apply to the Housing and Property Chamber using their Letting Agent Application, especially if they have breached the code of practice.
5. Can I get immediate protection if I feel unsafe?
   If you believe you are in danger, contact Police Scotland immediately.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber): Handles tenant applications regarding harassment, discrimination, and rental disputes.
• Citizens Advice Scotland: Free local advice about your rights and help with making a complaint.
• Shelter Scotland Tenant Advice: Information about tenancy disputes, discrimination, and support.
• Equality Advisory and Support Service: Advice on discrimination and reasonable adjustments.

• ¹ Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016
• Equality Act 2010

Key Takeaways:

• Tenants in Scotland are legally protected from harassment and discrimination.
• Official support services include Citizens Advice Scotland, Shelter Scotland, and the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber).
• If you experience harassment or accessibility issues, keep records and use official complaint forms or seek advice promptly.