Tenant Repair Rights: A Guide for Renters in Scotland

Knowing your repair rights is crucial for every renter in Scotland. Whether you’re dealing with condensation, heating problems, or unsafe conditions, Scottish law gives residential tenants clear protections. This guide explains your rights, how to request repairs, and what to do if your landlord doesn’t act—making it easier to keep your home safe and comfortable.

Your Landlord’s Legal Repair Responsibilities

Under Scottish tenancy law, landlords must keep your property in a good state of repair throughout your tenancy. This applies whether you have a Private Residential Tenancy (PRT), an older assured tenancy, or a social rented home.

• Make sure your home meets the Scottish Housing Quality Standard
• Keep the structure and exterior in good repair—this includes walls, roofs, windows, doors, gutters, drains, and stairs
• Maintain installations for supplying water, gas, electricity, sanitation, space heating, and hot water
• Repair or replace appliances or fittings provided by the landlord
• Ensure the property is fit for human habitation at all times, as required by the Repairing Standard (Housing (Scotland) Act 2006, as amended by the 2019 Act)

If you’re unsure which type of tenancy you have, check your agreement or see the guide from mygov.scot.

How to Report a Repair Problem

If something breaks down or needs fixing, follow these steps for the best outcome:

• Report the repair to your landlord or letting agent in writing (letter, email, or online portal)
• Provide details—what’s broken, when it started, and how it affects your living
• Take photos or videos for evidence
• Keep copies of all communication

Landlords must make repairs within a reasonable time. Urgent issues—such as loss of heating in winter or significant leaks—should be addressed quickly, while non-urgent repairs may take longer.

What If Your Landlord Doesn't Repair?

If your landlord ignores repair requests or the work is incomplete, Scottish law gives you options. You can:

• Send a formal reminder—be polite, set a reasonable deadline, and mention health or safety concerns
• Contact your local council’s Environmental Health team if the issue makes your home unsafe or unfit for living; see Scottish Government repairs advice
• Apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber), which can order landlords to fix problems and may award compensation (official tribunal website)

Scottish tenants in private rented property can apply to the Tribunal if the property fails to meet the Repairing Standard after notifying the landlord and giving them a chance to fix the issue.

Relevant Official Form: Repairing Standard Application

• Name: Application to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)
• When to use: When your private landlord has been given written notice of a repair and failed to act within a reasonable time.
• How to use (example): If your heating hasn’t worked for weeks despite repeated emails, you can fill out the application form (Repairing Standard - Private Rented Housing Panel) and submit it with your evidence by post or email to the Tribunal.

The Role of the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland

The First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) is the official body for resolving private rental disputes, including repair cases. The Tribunal:

• Assesses evidence you and the landlord submit (forms, reports, communication)
• May send an independent surveyor for inspection
• Can legally require landlords to carry out repairs or, in some cases, award compensation

You are not required to have a lawyer and can represent yourself. All forms, examples of decisions, and process guides are available directly from the Tribunal’s official website.

Key Scottish Tenancy Legislation

Your rights come from several pieces of Scottish law, mainly:

• Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 – rules for modern Private Residential Tenancies (PRTs)
• Housing (Scotland) Act 2006, Part 1 – Repairing Standard and landlord duties
• The Repairing Standard (Enhanced by Housing (Scotland) Act 2019)

There are also special standards for social housing and older tenancy types; your council can clarify which apply to you.

FAQ: Tenant Repair Rights in Scotland

1. What repairs am I responsible for as a tenant?
   Tenants must take care of minor tasks like changing lightbulbs or replacing batteries in smoke alarms and not cause damage through misuse. Major repairs are your landlord’s responsibility.
2. How quickly must landlords in Scotland complete repairs?
   They must act within a 'reasonable time', but there’s no set number of days for most repairs. Urgent or emergency repairs—such as no heating in winter—must be resolved much faster.
3. Can my landlord enter my flat without notice for repairs?
   No. Your landlord must give at least 24 hours’ written notice (unless it’s an urgent emergency) and arrange a mutually convenient time.
4. What can I do if repairs aren’t done after a Tribunal order?
   If a Tribunal order is ignored, you can contact your local council or sheriff officers, who can help enforce the decision.
5. Are repair rights different for social housing tenants?
   Yes—council or housing association tenants are covered by the Scottish Secure Tenancy Agreement and different procedures, but strong repair rights still apply. Ask your council for details.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) – Dispute forms, process guides, and helpline
• mygov.scot Repairs for Tenants – Step-by-step repair guidance for private and social renters
• Citizens Advice Scotland: Repairs in Rented Housing – Free, confidential advice
• Your local council’s housing department – Contact for emergencies and enforcement

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1. Housing (Scotland) Act 2006, Part 1
2. Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016
3. Repairing Standard, Housing (Scotland) Act 2019
4. First-tier Tribunal for Scotland: Housing and Property Chamber
5. mygov.scot Tenant Repairs Overview

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