Your location: Private landlords and antisocial behaviour
This content applies to Scotland only.
Housing laws vary between Scotland and England. This page applies to Scotland only. Get advice relating to England
From 30 April 2006, most owners and landlords of privately rented properties have to register with the council and take responsibility for antisocial behaviour that occurs in properties that they rent out. Councils can make private landlords take reasonable action to deal with antisocial behaviour caused by their tenants or by people visiting properties that they rent out.
You can find out more about landlord registration here.
Landlords' responsibility for antisocial behaviour
Under new laws introduced in April 2006, private landlords must take responsibility for antisocial behaviour that happens in or around the properties they rent out. This means that if tenants in your area are causing trouble, their landlord should try to put a stop to it. If they don't, the council can take action to sort the situation out. Read more 
Rent penalty notices and orders
Rent penalty notices (RPNs) and rent payable orders (RPOs) mean that the landlord isn't allowed to collect any rent, or any other money, from you as the tenant or occupier of the house being rented out. This system is aimed at the landlord and not at you. Read more
Antisocial behaviour notices
If a private tenant, a member of their household or a visitor at their home is behaving in an antisocial way, and the landlord who is responsible for the property is not doing anything to deal with that behaviour, the local council can send the landlord an antisocial behaviour notice (ASBN) ordering them to deal with the problem. Read more
Management control orders
If a private landlord does not take steps to prevent antisocial behaviour in their properties, the council can apply for a management control order and take over the running of the property. This means the council will be responsible for collecting rent, carrying out repairs and other landlord responsibilities. Read more
