Repairs in private rented accommodation
This content applies to Scotland only.
Housing laws vary between Scotland and England. Get advice relating to England
This section explains your rights if you are a private tenant and your home is in need of repair. Find out who has responsibility for different types of repairs and what you can do if your landlord refuses to carry out repairs.
Responsibility for repairs
Which types of repairs private landlords are responsible for and which are the tenant's responsibility. Your landlord must keep your home up to a level of repair known as the 'repairing standard'.
Getting repairs done
If your private rented accommodation needs repairing, let your landlord know as soon as possible. Check how to get your landlord to accept responsibility for repairs.
Furniture and equipment
If you rent furnished accommodation, your landlord should replace or mend fittings, furniture and equipment or become unusable or unsafe through everyday wear and tear.
Private rented housing panel
The private rented housing panel (PRHP) will help tenants and landlords to find a solution if accommodation is not up to a certain standard.
Help from the council
If the state of your home is affecting your health, your local council's environmental health department may be able to help you take action.
While repairs are being done
This page looks at problems which may arise while repairs are being carried out, including what you can do if the repairs are disruptive, or if you have to move out while repairs are being done.
Repairs not done properly
This section explains what you can do if repair work is not carried out properly.
Doing repairs yourself
What you need to do if you have to arrange for repairs to be carried out yourself. This may be because you are responsible for the damage or because your landlord is refusing to do the repairs.
