Taking court action over repairs
This content applies to Scotland only.
Housing laws vary between Scotland and England. Get advice relating to England
If your landlord refuses to carry out essential repairs, it may be possible to take them to the sheriff court. This section explains who should consider court action, and how court action may help.
Before taking court action
Before taking your landlord to court over repairs, make sure you have exhausted every other possibility.
Using the courts
If your landlord won't do repairs or has started but not finished, you may be able to raise a claim in court. There is a kind of claim for when you want them to do something they are obliged to do.
Abatement orders
If disrepair in your home is damaging your health or the health of your household, you can apply to the sheriff court for an abatement order. If the order is granted, your landlord has to put the problem right.
Compensation
If your landlord has failed to carry out essential repairs to your home within a reasonable time, you may be entitled to claim compensation.
