As a tenant or renter in Scotland you have clear rights to safe housing and to be told about risks from smoke, carbon monoxide (CO) and faulty electrics. This guide explains what landlords must provide, what checks and documents you can ask to see, and practical steps to report faults or raise a formal dispute in a way that protects your rights and keeps you safe. The language is plain and aimed at renters without legal training, with examples of when to contact your landlord, local authority or the Housing and Property Chamber.
What landlords must provide and why it matters
Under Scottish tenancy law landlords are responsible for ensuring properties meet basic safety standards, including working smoke and CO alarms where required and safe electrical installations. Tenants should expect fitted smoke alarms in living spaces and circulation areas and CO alarms where there is a fixed combustion appliance or fuel-burning heater. Landlords should also keep electrics safe and, if asked, be able to provide an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) showing checks have been done. If these items are missing or not working, raise the issue in writing and keep a dated copy. [1]
How to report a safety problem
If you find a live fault (sparks, burning smell or no power) treat it as an emergency: turn off the relevant circuits if safe, leave the property if there is smoke or gas smell, and call the emergency services. For non-emergencies, follow these steps and keep evidence:
- Report the problem in writing to the landlord or letting agent within a few days and keep a dated copy.
- Take photos or short video of the issue and keep a log of times and any health symptoms.
- Allow access for a qualified electrician or engineer after giving reasonable notice.
- Contact your local authority environmental health if the landlord does not act.
Formal routes if the landlord does not fix safety issues
If informal requests do not lead to repairs you can apply to the Housing and Property Chamber (First-tier Tribunal for Housing and Property) for an enforcement order. The tribunal can order repairs and may take action requiring the landlord to carry out work. Before applying, gather evidence: copies of written requests, photos, any EICR or gas safety records, and notes from conversations. [2]
Official documents and forms tenants should know about
Below are the main documents and forms relevant to smoke, CO and electrical safety in Scotland with practical examples of use.
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
Form name and number: Electrical Installation Condition Report (no single national form number; issued by a qualified electrician). When used: an EICR records the condition of wiring, sockets and fixed installations. Tenant example: if your lights flicker and circuits trip repeatedly, ask the landlord in writing for the EICR and keep a copy.
Gas safety record (CP12)
Form name and number: Gas safety record (CP12) issued after annual gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer. When used: required where there are gas appliances; tenants can ask to see the most recent CP12 if there are gas heaters or boilers.
Applying to the Housing and Property Chamber
Form name and number: Application forms for the Housing and Property Chamber (see the Chamber's application pages for the correct PDF or online application). When used: tenants use these forms to request enforcement of the repairing standard or to apply for an order following unresolved hazards. Tenant example: after repeated written requests about missing smoke alarms, you can apply for an enforcement order using the Chamber's repairing standard application.
FAQ
- Who enforces safety standards for private rented homes in Scotland?
- Private rented sector safety and tenancy disputes are enforced by the Housing and Property Chamber of the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland, and by local authority environmental health for immediate hazards.
- Can my landlord enter the property to fix alarms or electrics?
- Yes, landlords can enter for repairs if they give reasonable notice and an agreed time unless it is an emergency; you should keep written confirmation of the appointment.
- What if my landlord refuses to provide an EICR or gas safety record?
- Ask in writing and set a reasonable deadline; if there is no response, you can report the issue to your local authority or apply to the Housing and Property Chamber for enforcement.
How-To
- Describe the issue in writing and send it to the landlord or agent, keeping a dated copy.
- Collect supporting evidence: photos, copies of messages, and any engineer reports you receive.
- Contact your local authority environmental health if the landlord fails to act on serious hazards.
- If unresolved, apply to the Housing and Property Chamber using their official application form and include your evidence.
Help and Support / Resources
- Housing and Property Chamber (First-tier Tribunal for Scotland)
- Scottish Government guidance on housing and private renting
- Local authority environmental health services
