What to Do If Your Landlord Ignores Repairs in Scotland

If you rent your home in Scotland and your landlord is ignoring essential repairs, you are not alone. Maintaining a safe and habitable property is a legal requirement, and Scottish law provides renters with clear steps to resolve repair issues. Understanding these steps can help you protect your health and home.

Your Landlord’s Repair Responsibilities in Scotland

Landlords are legally obliged to keep your home to a safe and livable standard. This duty covers repairs to:

• Structure and exterior (roof, walls, windows, doors)
• Heating and hot water systems
• Sanitation (toilets, sinks, baths)
• Installations for electricity, gas, and water

These duties are set out in the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 and the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987.¹

What to Do Before Escalating Repair Issues

Before making any formal complaints, follow these steps to record your efforts:

• Report the repair: Contact your landlord or letting agent in writing (email or letter), clearly explaining the issue and requesting a repair.
• Keep records: Save all communications, including photos, letters, and messages related to the repair request.
• Allow access: Agree on reasonable times for your landlord or contractors to inspect or carry out repairs.

Taking Further Action If Repairs Are Ignored

If your landlord does not respond or refuses to carry out repairs in a reasonable time (usually 14 days for non-urgent or sooner if urgent), you can:

• Remind your landlord in writing that the issue still needs attention
• Contact your local council’s Environmental Health department—they can inspect and issue notices if serious risks are found. Find yours at mygov.scot: Find your local council.

Applying to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)

If the problem still isn’t fixed, you have the right to apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber). The tribunal independently reviews disputes between landlords and tenants, including repair complaints.²

• Use Form AT6: Application under Section 14 of the 2016 Act
• This official form is for tenants asking the tribunal to require a landlord to carry out repairs.
  • Form AT6 – Application for Repairs (Download)
  • Example: If you have repeatedly asked for a leaking roof to be fixed and have evidence of no response or inadequate action, you submit this form with your evidence to the tribunal.

How to Apply to the Tribunal

To begin the process:

1. Download the application form from the official Housing and Property Chamber website
2. Complete it with clear details and attach evidence (photos, copies of emails and letters, council reports if applicable)
3. Submit the form by email or post to the tribunal using the details on their website

The tribunal will assess your case and, if it agrees with you, will order your landlord to carry out the repairs by a set deadline.

Can I Arrange Repairs and Deduct from My Rent?

Unlike in some countries, Scotland does not have a legal right to withhold rent or deduct repair costs without a tribunal order—doing so could risk eviction. Always seek advice before considering this step, and use official complaint routes first.

FAQ: Landlord Repairs in Scotland

1. What repairs must landlords legally carry out in Scotland?
   Landlords must keep the structure, exterior, and essential systems (heating, water, sanitation, electricity, gas) in good repair, as set out by Scottish law.
2. How long must I wait before escalating a repair issue?
   If the repair is urgent (e.g. no heating in winter, water leaks), you should contact your landlord immediately and can escalate within a few days if needed. For non-urgent repairs, give your landlord up to 14 days to respond before contacting your council or the tribunal.
3. Can I refuse to pay rent if repairs aren't done?
   No. Scottish law does not allow tenants to withhold rent or spend rent money on repairs themselves without permission from the tribunal.
4. Who handles official disputes between renters and landlords over repairs?
   The First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) handles repair disputes for renters in private residential tenancies.
5. Where can I get help if I feel unsafe due to disrepair?
   You can contact your local council's Environmental Health department or seek advice from a tenant support organisation or local Citizens Advice Bureau.

Key Takeaways

• Your landlord must keep your home in safe, fair repair—this is a legal right under Scottish law
• Keep written records of all requests and responses about repairs
• If your landlord ignores your requests, you can escalate through your council or the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland

Taking the right steps ensures your repairs are taken seriously and your rights as a renter are protected.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) – official portal for complaints and repairs
• mygov.scot: Repairs in private rented housing – government guidance on responsibilities and processes
• Citizens Advice Scotland – Repairs in rented housing
• Find your local Scottish council for reporting housing standards or hazards

---

1. Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 – Duties of landlords; Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016
2. First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) – official site

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent, Deposits & Increases Tenancy Types & Agreements Moving In & Out Procedures Repairs, Maintenance & Housing Standards Eviction Notices & Repossessions Shared Housing, HMOs & Lodgers Discrimination, Harassment & Accessibility Utilities, Bills & Council Tax Affordable Housing, Social Housing & Benefits Dispute Resolution & Housing Tribunals Health, Safety & Fire Regulations Privacy, Landlord Entry & Surveillance Unusual & Special Tenancy Situations Renters’ Insurance & Liability Homelessness Support & Post-Eviction Help Landlord Duties, Licensing & Penalties Housing Law, Legal Updates & Case Studies Mental Health, Disability & Vulnerable Renters’ Rights Rent Repayment Orders & Compensation