9. What can I do about problems with a letting agent?
This content applies to Scotland only.
Housing laws vary between Scotland and England. Get advice relating to England
Many privately rented places are managed by letting agencies. The agency usually deals with day-to-day queries, maintenance and collecting the rent. They act on behalf of landlords - not tenants! - so it's important to understand your rights.
If you're having problems with an agency, you should complain to the landlord - their name and address should be on your tenancy agreement. Even if you've always dealt with the agency, your contract is with the landlord. So if the agency has kept your deposit unfairly, for example, you can claim it back from the landlord.
You can also try complaining to trade associations such as the Association of Residential Letting Agents or the National Approved Lettings Scheme, or Landlord Accreditation Scotland, if the agency is a member. You can find out more about complaining about letting agencies here.
