Who Is Responsible for Fixing Appliances in Scottish Rentals?

If you're renting a home in Scotland, it can be confusing to know who is meant to fix things like washing machines, fridges, or ovens when they stop working. Understanding your rights and responsibilities, as well as those of your landlord, is essential for maintaining your home and peace of mind. This guide explains where the responsibilities lie, what the law says, and what practical action you can take—all specific to Scotland.

Understanding Appliance Repairs in Rented Properties

For most renters, appliances such as ovens, fridges, washing machines, and boilers can be a lifeline. But when something goes wrong, who fixes it? In Scotland, appliance repair responsibilities depend on factors like:

• Who owns the appliance (landlord or tenant)
• What the tenancy agreement says
• The type of appliance and how essential it is to the property's habitability

Generally, if an appliance was supplied by the landlord and included in the inventory at the start of your tenancy, the landlord is responsible for keeping it in working order unless your contract says otherwise.

What the Law Says in Scotland

Under the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016, landlords must make sure your rental property meets the "repairing standard". This includes ensuring any appliances provided by the landlord are usable and safe¹.

• Landlords are not required to repair or replace appliances that belong to you or that you brought to the property.
• Boilers, central heating, and built-in white goods supplied by the landlord should usually be maintained by them.
• Always check your written tenancy agreement, as it may provide more details about appliance responsibilities.

If you're not sure which appliances are landlord-supplied, refer to your inventory list or ask your landlord or letting agent for clarification.

What to Do When an Appliance Breaks Down

Step 1: Check Your Tenancy Agreement and Inventory

Look at your tenancy agreement and any inventory. If the broken appliance is listed and was provided by the landlord, they're usually responsible. If it’s your own appliance, you are responsible for repairs or replacement.

Step 2: Notify the Landlord in Writing

If the landlord is responsible, let them know about the issue as soon as possible, preferably in writing (for example, by email or through your letting agent). Describe the problem and request a repair within a reasonable timeframe.

Step 3: What If the Landlord Doesn’t Act?

If your landlord does not respond or refuses to fix an appliance they are liable for, you have the right to escalate the matter:

• You can apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) to enforce repairs under the repairing standard.
• Submit an official application form if informal steps do not resolve the issue.

Official Forms and Where to Get Help

• Repairing Standard Application Form: Use this form to apply to the First-tier Tribunal if your landlord hasn’t carried out required repairs. Find the application and guidance on the official Housing and Property Chamber website. For example, if your landlord ignores requests to fix a faulty oven provided as part of your tenancy, this is the process to follow.
• The tribunal will consider evidence and can order the landlord to carry out necessary repairs.

For more details on how to use the tribunal process, visit the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) official site.

Summary: Deciding Who Fixes Which Appliances

• Landlord-supplied appliances: Landlord usually responsible for repairs and maintenance.
• Tenant’s own appliances: Tenant is responsible.
• Always refer to your tenancy agreement for extra conditions or details.

1. Who is responsible for fixing a broken fridge supplied by my landlord?
   In most cases, if your landlord provided the fridge as part of your tenancy and it's listed in the inventory, the landlord is responsible for repairs or replacement, unless your tenancy agreement states otherwise.
2. What if my landlord says it’s my job to fix a landlord-supplied appliance?
   Even if told otherwise, Scottish law generally puts the responsibility on the landlord to keep supplied appliances in usable order. If your landlord refuses, you can apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland for help.
3. Do I have to pay for repairs if I accidentally break something?
   If you cause damage to an appliance through misuse or negligence, the landlord may ask you to pay for repairs or take the cost from your deposit. Always check your tenancy agreement for terms about accidental damage.
4. Is my landlord responsible for repairing my own (tenant-bought) appliances?
   No, the landlord is not responsible for fixing or maintaining appliances that you brought into the property yourself.
5. How do I start a tribunal application?
   Complete the Repairing Standard Application Form and send it to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland, including evidence such as copies of repair requests sent to your landlord.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Scottish Government information on repair standards
• First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) – handles official repair disputes
• Citizens Advice Scotland: Repairs in rented housing
• Scottish Government: Tenant rights in private renting

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1. Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 governs tenancy rights and landlord obligations, including repairs.

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