Living through hate crime or targeted abuse in your home can be frightening and disruptive. If you are a tenant or renter in Scotland, you have rights and routes for protection, repairs and legal remedies. This guide explains how to report incidents to the police, how to gather and preserve evidence, what duties a landlord has under Scottish tenancy law, and when to apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber). It also covers practical steps for safety, emergency repairs, deposit protection and moving options. The language is plain and focused on actions you can take now, forms you may need, and official agencies to contact so you can protect your tenancy and personal safety.
Reporting hate crime and targeted abuse
If you or someone in your household experiences hate crime or targeted abuse, report it to the police as soon as it is safe to do so. Use Police Scotlands secure online hate-crime report form or contact 101/999 for emergencies. Police Scotland secure hate-crime form[1] explains what information to provide and how reports are handled.
What landlords must do under Scottish law
Landlords have legal duties under the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 to ensure your home meets basic standards and to not unlawfully harass or evict tenants. The Act sets out tenancy rights, notice rules and obligations on repairs and safety. See the full legislation for details and definitions of harassment, eviction grounds and tenancy protections. Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016[2]
Practical tenant actions for landlord issues
- Take dated photos and videos of damage, threats or vandalism and keep copies.
- Keep a written incident log with dates, times and witness names when possible.
- Inform your landlord or managing agent in writing, including the incident summary and a request for action.
- Keep receipts for any emergency expenses or repairs you pay for; you may be able to seek reimbursement.
Repairs, emergency repairs and safety steps
If the abuse causes damage that affects safety or habitability (broken locks, smashed windows, heating failure) tell your landlord immediately and follow up in writing. If the landlord does not act within reasonable timeframes raise the issue with your local authority environmental health or apply to the Housing and Property Chamber for remedies. Where there is immediate danger, use emergency services.
- Report urgent repairs immediately and request a timescale in writing.
- If a lock is broken, ask the landlord to replace locks and provide new keys.
- If you feel unsafe, ask about temporary rehousing or emergency refuge support.
Taking disputes or harassment claims to the tribunal
The First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) hears private tenancy disputes including harassment, eviction notices and repair orders. You can apply online or by using the tribunals application service; the tribunal explains required evidence, application types and fees. Housing and Property Chamber online services[3] is the official place to start an application.
When to apply — practical examples
- If a landlord serves a Notice to Leave you believe is retaliatory, apply to the tribunal to challenge it.
- If repairs affecting safety are not done, apply for an enforcement order requiring the landlord to act.
- If harassment continues despite reports to police and landlord, apply for remedies and compensation.
Official forms and where to use them
Key official forms and online services to know as a tenant in Scotland:
- Police Scotland secure hate-crime report form — use this to record incidents with the police when an attack or targeted abuse occurs; this creates an official record you can use as evidence in housing or criminal proceedings. Use the Police Scotland online form.
- Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 — not a form but the governing legislation; read it to understand notice periods, prohibited conduct and tenancy protections. Read the Act.
- Housing and Property Chamber application service — apply online to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) for orders, eviction challenges or repairs enforcement; the site explains the application type you need and required evidence. Apply to the tribunal online.
FAQ
- How do I report a hate crime as a tenant in Scotland?
- Report to Police Scotland using their secure online hate-crime form or by calling 101 for non-emergencies and 999 for immediate danger. Also inform your landlord in writing if the abuse affects your tenancy.
- Can my landlord evict me for reporting abuse?
- It is unlawful for a landlord to evict a tenant in retaliation for reporting a crime. If you receive a notice to leave you believe is retaliatory, you can challenge it at the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber).
- What evidence should I keep?
- Keep dated photos, videos, witness names, written logs, messages, rent receipts and any police incident reference numbers. Save copies both digitally and physically where possible.
How-To
- Report the incident to Police Scotland and obtain an incident number.
- Collect and save evidence: photos, messages, and a dated log of events.
- Inform your landlord in writing, requesting specific actions such as repairs or security measures.
- If the landlord fails to act, apply to the Housing and Property Chamber for orders to enforce repairs or challenge notices.
Help and Support / Resources
- Housing and Property Chamber (First-tier Tribunal for Scotland)
- Scottish Government hate crime policy and guidance
- Police Scotland main site and reporting options
