When and How to Contact the Council for Housing Disrepair in Scotland

If you're renting in Scotland and your home is in disrepair, knowing when to involve your local council can help keep your living situation safe and comfortable. Housing standards are protected by Scottish law, and both landlords and renters have rights and responsibilities. This guide walks you through the process of contacting the council about disrepair and your legal options under current legislation.

What Counts as Disrepair and Who Is Responsible?

Under The Housing (Scotland) Act 2016, landlords are required to ensure that your property meets the "Repairing Standard". Disrepair means your home:

• Has problems with heating, water, electricity, gas, or sanitation
• Suffers from dampness, mould, or rot
• Lacks adequate security or locks
• Is structurally unsafe (e.g., broken windows, dangerous stairs)
• Has unsafe appliances provided by the landlord

Always report any repair issues to your landlord first in writing, giving them reasonable time to fix the problem. Your local council can help if your landlord doesn't do the repairs, or if the problems put your health or safety at risk.

When Should You Contact the Council?

If your landlord ignores repair requests, fails to act promptly, or the disrepair puts you or your household at risk, you can contact your local council’s Environmental Health or Private Sector Housing Team. Councils can investigate and, if necessary, order your landlord to carry out repairs to meet legal standards.

• Emergency situations (no heating, no water, electrical hazards)
• Serious issues affecting health (damp, mould, infestation)
• Repeated or unaddressed repair requests

To find your local council's housing team, use the mygov.scot council finder.

What Will the Council Do?

Once contacted, the council may:

• Inspect your property
• Contact your landlord for more information
• Issue a “Statutory Notice” requiring repairs
• In severe cases, carry out emergency repairs and charge your landlord

The council will guide you through the steps and keep things confidential. Acting promptly protects your rights and wellbeing.

How to File a Formal Complaint or Tribunal Application

If issues persist after council involvement, you can apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber). This independent body hears cases where landlords fail to meet the Repairing Standard or carry out required repairs.

Relevant Official Forms and How to Use Them

• Repairing Standard Application Form (RS01):
  When to use: If your landlord does not resolve disrepair following your initial request and you've notified them in writing.
  How to use: Complete this form to request the tribunal investigate and, if needed, compel your landlord to carry out repairs.
  Download the Repairing Standard Application Form (RS01)
• Guidance Notes for Tenants:
  Explanation: Offers step-by-step advice on making your application to the tribunal, required evidence, and what to expect next.
  Read the Guidance Notes for Tenants (RS01)

Quick Recap of Action Steps

1. Report disrepair to your landlord in writing.
2. Contact your council if repairs are not carried out or if there's immediate risk.
3. Collect evidence (photos, letters, council reports).
4. Apply to the First-tier Tribunal if issues remain unresolved.

Taking these steps helps ensure your legal protections are upheld and your home meets Scottish housing standards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What types of disrepair must landlords fix in Scotland?
   Your landlord must keep your home safe, watertight, and in good repair under the Repairing Standard, including heating, water, structure, and appliances.
2. Who do I contact if my landlord is ignoring my repair requests?
   Contact your local council's Environmental Health team for help, or use their website to find guidance and contact details.
3. Can the council force my landlord to do repairs?
   Yes, the council can serve a legal notice requiring repairs. Persistent non-compliance can result in the landlord being taken to tribunal or local authority intervention.
4. What evidence do I need to provide?
   Save letters, emails, photos of the disrepair, and any communications with your landlord or the council.
5. What is the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)?
   This is the official body that resolves tenancy disputes, including repair issues, for Scottish renters. Find out more about the tribunal here.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) – Apply for Repairing Standard disputes
• Find your Local Council – Report disrepair and seek official advice
• Citizens Advice Scotland – Housing Advice
• Scottish Government: Private Rented Housing Tenant Information

---

1. Housing (Scotland) Act 2016 – full text
2. First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)
3. mygov.scot – Find Your Local Council

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