Your Rights for Social Housing Repairs in Scotland

If you rent social housing in Scotland, you have important rights to a safe, well-maintained home. Knowing what repairs your landlord must do, how to report problems, and your options if repairs are delayed can offer reassurance and empower you to take action.

What Repairs Are Social Landlords Responsible For?

Your social landlord (usually a local council or housing association) has a legal duty to keep your home wind and watertight, in good repair, and reasonably fit for people to live in. This comes from your tenancy agreement and Housing (Scotland) Act 2001^[1]. Repairs your landlord must do include:

• Fixing leaks, damp, or rot in the building
• Repairing heating, hot water, and plumbing
• Maintaining the structure, roof, walls, windows, and doors
• Keeping electrical wiring and gas safe

You must report any repairs needed as soon as you notice them to your landlord’s repairs line. This helps protect your rights if the issue is not fixed promptly.

How to Request a Repair

In most cases, you can request repairs via your landlord’s online portal, by phone, email, or in writing. Make sure to note down the date and details of your request.

What if Repairs Are Not Done?

If your landlord does not complete repairs within a reasonable time, you have the right to start a formal complaints process and, in some cases, arrange or claim for the repair yourself.

The Right to Repair Scheme

For certain urgent and minor repairs (known as ‘qualifying repairs’, such as blocked sinks or broken heaters), the Right to Repair scheme applies. If your landlord does not fix these problems within set timescales (usually 1–7 working days), you may be allowed to arrange the repair yourself and claim costs back.

• Check with your landlord what counts as a qualifying repair
• Make your request in writing or via the official process

Document everything—dates, times, emails, and any contact you have with the landlord. This will support your case if you need to take your complaint further.

Taking Action: Complaints and the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland

If your landlord still doesn’t resolve repairs, you can use Scotland’s official tribunal for housing disputes: the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber).^[2] This independent body can decide on repair disputes and order landlords to fix serious problems.

Applying to the Tribunal

To make a complaint about property conditions, you can use the:

• Form: Application under Section 22 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 – for tenants to report that a landlord has failed to meet the Repairing Standard (for private rentals; for social housing, check your landlord’s complaints route first).
  Example: If your local council is not fixing damp in your flat and their complaints process isn’t resolving your concern, you can contact the Tribunal for further steps.
  Access the official Repairing Standard Application Form

For social tenants, if you have exhausted your landlord’s complaints procedure, you can escalate to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman.

Your Key Responsibilities

While your landlord deals with structural and major repairs, you are responsible for:

• Report issues promptly
• Allow reasonable access for repair work
• Take care of your home and avoid causing damage

This helps ensure repairs are handled quickly and keeps you within your tenancy agreement terms.

FAQ: Social Housing Repairs in Scotland

1. What should I do if my social landlord ignores my repair request?
   If your landlord does not respond or fix the issue in a reasonable time, first follow their complaints process. If repairs are still delayed, consider contacting the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland for guidance or escalate to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman.
2. How quickly must a landlord carry out repairs?
   The timescale depends on the urgency. Emergency repairs should be done within 24 hours; urgent repairs, usually within a week; routine repairs may take longer. The Right to Repair scheme details legal time limits for certain issues.
3. Can I claim compensation if repairs aren’t done?
   You may be entitled to compensation if your landlord’s delay causes damage or inconvenience, especially if you have to arrange a repair under the Right to Repair scheme. Keep all costs and communication documented.
4. Which form do I use for the tribunal if repairs are not being made?
   Use the "Repairing Standard Application Form" (linked above) when appropriate. Social tenants generally should use the landlord’s complaints process first and then the Ombudsman if unresolved.
5. Do I have to let the landlord into my home for repairs?
   Yes, you must allow reasonable access, with suitable notice, for repairs. This is part of your tenancy agreement and helps resolve issues efficiently.

Conclusion: Help With Social Housing Repairs

• Social landlords in Scotland must keep your home safe and in good repair, following strong legal protections.
• If repairs aren’t completed, you can use the official complaints process or legal routes to seek help.
• Always document your repair requests and know your rights to act if your home is not kept in good condition.

Staying informed and organised can make a big difference—not only for your living conditions but for your peace of mind.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Scottish Government: Social Housing Repairs and Maintenance
• Citizens Advice Scotland: Repairs in Social Housing
• First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)
• Scottish Public Services Ombudsman: Housing Complaints

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1. Housing (Scotland) Act 2001
2. First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)

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