What to Do If Your Scottish Rental Has Mice or Bugs

If you are renting a property in Scotland and discover mice, bedbugs, cockroaches, or other pests, it can be upsetting and disruptive. Knowing your rights and the legal obligations of your landlord can make handling these situations less stressful. This guide explains what Scottish renters should do when facing infestations, and how to proceed if your landlord does not take action.

Is Your Landlord Legally Responsible for Pest Infestations?

In Scotland, landlords must ensure that rental homes meet basic standards for health, safety, and repair. Under the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016, and the Repairing Standard, landlords are responsible for keeping the property wind and watertight, in a reasonable state of repair, and fit for people to live in. This usually means dealing with pest infestations if they are due to property conditions.

• Landlord’s duty: Address problems that make the home unsuitable (e.g., holes, damp, or faulty rubbish storage that allow pests inside).
• Renter’s duty: Inform your landlord quickly about any signs of pests, and keep the property clean to avoid attracting vermin or bugs.

The landlord is not required to pay for pest removal if the problem is due to the tenant’s actions (such as poor hygiene), but must act if it relates to the property’s structure or condition.

What Should Renters in Scotland Do If They Discover Mice or Bugs?

If you notice an infestation, act quickly to improve your living conditions and limit the spread. Here’s how:

• Document all evidence (photos of droppings, nests, bugs, or damage).
• Report the problem to your landlord or letting agent in writing. Clearly describe the issue, location, and when you first noticed it.
• Give your landlord a reasonable time to resolve the issue (usually 7–14 days for pests).
• Keep records of all communications.

If the infestation is affecting your health, mention this to your landlord immediately. This may encourage quicker action.

If Your Landlord Does Not Respond or Refuses to Act

Scottish law gives you options if your landlord does not deal with pest issues:

• Remind your landlord in writing of their responsibility under the Repairing Standard.
• If they still do not respond, you can apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) for help.

Applying to the Tribunal: Relevant Forms and Process

The First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) handles disputes about repairs, including pest infestations, in private rented homes. If informal contact fails, you may apply for the Tribunal to order your landlord to make things right.

• Application Form: Repairing Standard Application Form (RS Application)
• When to Use: If your landlord refuses to address an infestation that makes the property unfit for living.
• How to Use: Complete the form, attach your evidence (photos, correspondence), and submit it to the Tribunal’s address or email listed on the form. The Tribunal is impartial and can inspect the property if necessary.

The Tribunal may order the landlord to take specific action. Using this formal process helps ensure your rights are protected and sets a legal record of the complaint.

Your Rights to a Safe and Habitable Home

Scottish law — particularly the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 — ensures renters can expect homes free from serious health hazards. Infestations (mice, rats, cockroaches, bedbugs, etc.) usually make a property ‘unfit for human habitation,’ so landlords must usually pay for reliable pest control if it’s not due to the tenant’s neglect.

If you are ever unsure about where responsibility lies, check advice from mygov.scot: Repairs in your tenancy or seek additional support from renters’ advice services.

FAQ: Pest Infestations in Scottish Rental Homes

1. What pests must my landlord deal with?
   Landlords are usually responsible for dealing with mice, rats, insects (like cockroaches or bedbugs), or any pests that enter due to property defects or unclean communal areas.
2. Do I have to pay for pest control services myself?
   If the infestation is due to property condition or is not your fault, the landlord pays. If your actions caused the pests (for example, by poor hygiene), you may be responsible for costs.
3. Can I stop paying rent until the problem is fixed?
   You must not withhold rent; this could put you at risk of eviction. Instead, follow the official process: report, document, and apply to the Tribunal if necessary.
4. Who handles official complaints about repairs in Scotland?
   The First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) handles disputes about repairs, including infestations, in private rented homes.
5. How do I prove there is an infestation?
   Take dated photographs, keep samples (if safe to do so), save evidence of bites or property damage, and keep all communication with your landlord.

Key Takeaways for Scottish Renters

• Your landlord must keep your home safe and habitable, including addressing pest infestations caused by property issues.
• Report problems quickly, keep records, and use Scotland’s official Tribunal process if the landlord does not help.
• Never withhold rent, but do keep evidence and seek support from national advice services.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) – Apply for repairs or help with tenancy problems.
• mygov.scot: Repairs in your tenancy – Official Scottish Government advice for renters.
• Shelter Scotland Advice Services – Free, confidential support for tenants.
• Citizens Advice Scotland: Repairs in Rented Housing – Independent advice and help with disputes.

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1. Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016
2. Repairing Standard (Housing (Scotland) Act 2006) (Amendment) Regulations 2019
3. First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)
4. mygov.scot: Repairs in your tenancy

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