Housing Repairs

Basic Repair rules

If you're renting in Scotland, whether that's from a private landlord, under a common law tenancy, or in Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA), your home must meet certain legal standards. If you're unsure what type of tenancy you have, check out our Tenancy Rights webpage.

Check your tenancy

If something goes wrong, for example damp, mould, leaks, no heating or broken appliances, your landlord or accommodation provider will usually be responsible for fixing it.

Private Residential Tenancies (PRTs)

Most students renting privately in Scotland will have a PRT.

Under Scottish law, private landlords must make sure the property meets the Repairing Standard and the Tolerable Standard. These are legal duties and landlords cannot remove these responsibilities in your tenancy agreement.

Landlords must carry out repairs within a reasonable timeframe. What is “reasonable” will depend on how serious the issue is and how it affects you.

Further detailed guidance on the Repairing Standard and the Tolerable Standard can be found on the Shelter Scotland website.

Standards guidance

Common Law Tenancies

Some students may have a common law tenancy. For example, if you live with your landlord or in certain types of accommodation.

The exact terms of your contract are important here. However, in most cases, landlords are still responsible for maintaining the structure of the property and ensuring it is safe and habitable.

In practice, repair responsibilities are often very similar to PRTs, but you should check your agreement carefully.

Purpose-Built Student Accommodation – PBSA

PBSA is usually not a PRT. Instead, you will have a contract with the accommodation provider.

Although the Repairing Standard may not apply in the same way, providers still have legal duties under consumer protection and health and safety law to ensure that:

• The accommodation is safe
• It is fit to live in
• It matches what was advertised

If repairs are not completed, you should follow the provider's internal complaints process first. Depending on the issue, further action may be possible.

If you have repair issues in your private student accommodation, you can find out more information on the Shelter Scotland website.

PBSA advice

Further information on student accommodation rights is available on the Shelter Scotland website.

Common Repair issues

Click to expand each common repair issue.

Your Responsibilities

As a tenant, you are expected to:

• Report problems promptly
• Allow reasonable access for repairs – with appropriate notice
• Take reasonable care of the property
• Avoid causing damage beyond fair wear and tear

If you or your guests cause damage, you may be responsible for the cost of repairs.

How to report Repairs

We recommend:

1. Report the issue in writing – email is usually best.
2. Clearly explain what the problem is and how it affects you.
3. Ask for the repair to be carried out within a reasonable timeframe.
4. Keep copies of all messages and evidence – photos, dates, etc.

Shelter Scotland provides useful guidance and example wording for reporting repairs.

Reporting advice

What if Repairs are not done?

If your landlord does not carry out necessary repairs in a PRT, or most private tenancies, you may be able to apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber).

The Tribunal can:

• Order the landlord to carry out repairs
• In cases, award compensation

You will need:

• A copy of your tenancy agreeement
• Evidence that you reported the issue
• Photos or other proof of the problem

It is generally free to apply, and you do not need a solicitor.

First-tier Tribunal Workshop

In collaboration with the Strathclyde Law Clinic, our advisors ran an online workshop on housing repair and applying to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) which you can watch below for more information.