Who Is Responsible for Paying Bills in Shared Rentals in Scotland?

If you’re renting a room or sharing a house or flat in Scotland, knowing who is responsible for paying the household bills—like gas, electricity, council tax, and broadband—can help avoid disputes and stress. This guide will help you understand your rights and responsibilities around bill payment in shared housing, including HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation) and properties with lodgers.

Understanding Shared Rentals and Tenancy Types

Your bill responsibilities often depend on the type of tenancy you have and what is stated in your tenancy agreement. In Scotland, common arrangements include:

• Private Residential Tenancy – most private tenants now have this type since December 2017.
• HMO Tenancy – if three or more unrelated people share a property, it is often an HMO (Houses in Multiple Occupation).
• Lodger Arrangements – you rent a room in your landlord’s home.

The Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 governs most private tenancies, while HMOs must comply with additional licensing rules.^[1]

What Does Your Tenancy Agreement Say?

The first place to check who pays for bills is your written tenancy agreement. It should clearly state whether:

• Bills are included in your rent ("bills included")
• You are responsible for some or all utilities/council tax
• Landlord will cover only certain bills, or none at all

If the agreement isn’t clear, it’s a good idea to ask your landlord or agent for written clarification.

Bills Typically Found in Shared Rentals

• Gas and electricity
• Water and sewerage (usually included in council tax)
• Council tax
• Internet and TV licence (where applicable)

Sometimes, broadband and TV licence are left for tenants to arrange among themselves.

Who Pays Council Tax in Shared Housing?

Responsibility for council tax depends on the living arrangement:

• If the property is let as an HMO, tenants usually share responsibility. Typically, if your name is on the tenancy, you are liable unless the landlord pays it for you.
• In lodger situations, the landlord is usually responsible unless your agreement says otherwise.
• Full-time students are generally exempt, but other tenants may still have to pay.

Confirm details with your tenancy agreement and check with your local council for your circumstances.

If You Disagree About Bills

If you cannot agree among housemates or with your landlord who pays what, you may need to:

• Refer to your agreement
• Contact your local council (for council tax queries)
• Seek advice from Citizens Advice Scotland or a local tenants’ union

HMO (Houses in Multiple Occupation) Properties

An HMO is a property shared by three or more tenants who are not from the same family. HMOs in Scotland must be licensed by the local council.

The official Scottish HMO rules don’t set out who pays the bills. This is decided by your agreement, but all bills should be explained before you move in. If utilities are in tenants’ names, everyone is usually jointly responsible unless stated otherwise.

Tip: When moving in, take meter readings and keep records of bills. Agreeing on a bill-splitting method with housemates can make things smoother.

Lodgers: Different Rules

Lodgers – people renting a room in the landlord's home – are in a different category. Here the landlord often pays the council tax and most utilities, but again, your agreement spells this out.

If you are a lodger and bills are charged separately, your landlord must give you clear information about what’s included and proof of costs if you request it.

Relevant Official Forms

• Scottish Government Model Private Residential Tenancy Agreement – This template shows where bills and responsibilities should be listed. You can download or check it at the official government website.
  Use this as a reference for what your agreement should look like. If your agreement doesn’t match, seek advice.
• Council Tax Exemption Application – If you are a full-time student, you can request council tax exemption. Forms are specific to each council; visit your local council’s website and search for “council tax exemption”.
  Fill this in if you believe you qualify and your housemates are also students.

What If Your Landlord Breaks the Rules?

If your landlord overcharges for bills, refuses to return deposits, or doesn’t follow your agreement, you can apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) for resolution.^[2]

The Tribunal is free for tenants and can handle disputes about rent, deposits, and responsibilities for bills. For more on what you can apply for and how, see their official application pages.

FAQ

1. Can my landlord make me pay all the utility bills?
   Only if your tenancy agreement clearly states you are responsible for all utilities. Otherwise, the landlord cannot add unexpected charges.
2. If bills are 'included in the rent', can my landlord later ask me to pay extra?
   No, if ‘bills included’ is in your agreement, you pay only your rent amount unless you agree to renegotiate.
3. We all moved in at different times—who pays which bill?
   Unless your agreement splits the bills, tenants are generally jointly responsible. Keep open communication and records of payments.
4. Am I responsible for council tax if I’m a student?
   Normally, full-time students are exempt, but you must apply via your local council. If non-students live in the property, they may still be liable.
5. Can I challenge my share of the bills if I think it’s unfair?
   Start by talking to housemates and your landlord. If needed, seek advice from Citizens Advice or use the First-tier Tribunal if the issue cannot be resolved.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Renters

• Check your tenancy agreement first to see what bills you are responsible for.
• For HMOs and shared houses, tenants are usually jointly responsible unless your landlord agrees otherwise.
• If disputes arise, contact your local council, Citizens Advice, or the Scottish First-tier Tribunal.

Staying informed and communicative is the best way to avoid shared bill issues in Scottish rentals.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) – official tribunal for tenancy and rent disputes
• Model Private Residential Tenancy Agreement (Scottish Government)
• Citizens Advice Scotland – free legal and housing advice
• MyGov.Scot – Renting Your Own Place – up-to-date government guides for tenants

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1. Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016
2. First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)

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