At the start of a tenancy in Scotland, tenants should check the property carefully and create a clear record of its condition. That record helps resolve repair disputes, protect deposits and speed up any official application if problems continue. This guide explains practical steps tenants and renters can take: what to inspect, how to document issues with photos and written notes, when to report repairs to a landlord, and when to use official forms or apply to the First-tier Tribunal. It uses plain language and focuses on actions you can take right away, with examples of how to complete official forms and where to find reliable Scottish government and tribunal resources.
Checking property condition at the start
Start by reading your written tenancy agreement and the overview of rights under the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016, so you know what your landlord must provide and maintain.[1] Then carry out a room-by-room inspection and keep an organised record.
- Inspect the whole property within the first seven days to spot obvious damage or missing fixtures.
- Take dated photos and short videos of damage, damp, mould, or faulty fittings as evidence.
- Make a written inventory or condition report and ask the landlord to sign or acknowledge it.
- Report any repairs promptly in writing, describe the problem clearly and state when it was found.
- Check how your deposit will be protected and save all receipts and deposit paperwork.
Official forms and when to use them
If a landlord does not carry out repairs or there is a dispute about the tenancy, Scottish tenants can use official forms and guidance to take action.
- Apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) for enforcement of the Repairing Standard or other tenancy disputes; use the tribunal application forms when the landlord has failed to fix serious problems.
- Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 explains the statutory duties and rights that apply to private residential tenancies and when formal action is appropriate.[1]
- Scottish Government guidance for private renting includes practical information on deposits, repairs and how to make a formal complaint about a landlord or arrange dispute resolution.[3]
When to contact the First-tier Tribunal
If a landlord will not carry out required repairs, does not protect your deposit correctly, or you have another unresolved tenancy dispute, you can apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber). The tribunal can issue repair orders, decide on deposit protection disputes and resolve a range of tenancy problems.[2]
- Use the tribunal if informal requests and written complaints to the landlord do not lead to a timely remedy.
- Keep all evidence (photos, messages, dated letters) to support your application to the tribunal.
FAQ
- What should I include in a move-in inventory?
- Include dated photos of each room, meter readings, a note of existing damage, appliance condition, and any agreed cleaning or outstanding works; keep a copy and ask the landlord to confirm it.
- How long do I have to report repairs?
- Report repairs as soon as you find them and follow up in writing; allow a reasonable time for the landlord to act and escalate to the tribunal if there is no response.
- Can a landlord refuse entry for an inspection?
- Landlords should give reasonable notice and a lawful reason for non-emergency entry; you can refuse entry without proper notice but should seek advice if there is a dispute.
How-To
- Inspect each room and note defects within the first seven days.
- Photograph and date every issue, saving backups in more than one place.
- Send a clear written repair request to the landlord or letting agent and keep a copy.
- If the landlord does not act, gather evidence and submit an application to the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber).
Help and Support / Resources
- Contact the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber)
- Private renting guidance — MyGov.Scot
- Scottish Government — Private rented sector policy
