Repairs and bad conditions

This content applies to Scotland only.

Housing laws vary between Scotland and England. This page applies to Scotland only. Get advice relating to England

This section covers problem that may arise when your home needs repairs done or becomes unsuitable for you to live in. It includes information on how to get repairs carried out in rented and owner occupied housing and how to improve unsuitable accommodation. It also looks at health and safety issues, and at grants and loans that may be available to help pay for repairs.

Repairs in council housing

This section explains the rights you have if you are a council, housing association or housing cooperative tenant and your home needs repairs. It explains who has responsibility for different types of repairs and what you can do if your landlord doesn't carry out repairs they are responsible for. Read more

Repairs in private rented housing

This section explains the rights you have if you are a private tenant and your home needs repairs. It explains who has responsibility for different types of repairs and what you can do if your landlord refuses to carry out repairs that they are responsible for. Read more

Court action over repairs

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. Read more

Repairs for home owners

If you own your home, you will be responsible for maintaining the property and carrying out any repair work that's needed. This section looks at how you can keep your home in good condition and what to do if repair work is required. Read more

Repairs in common areas

This section is aimed at home owners who live in a flat, tenement or apartment block. It explains how you and your neighbours can work together to keep your building well maintained, and what you should do if repair work needs to be carried out to common areas such as the roof or stairs. Read more

Getting adaptations done

Your home may not be suitable for you if you are elderly or disabled and can't get around the property or use all the facilities. You may be able to get adaptations done to solve this problem - grants may be available to pay for these adaptations. This section also looks at your options if it isn't possible to adapt your home. Read more

Repairs for agricultural tenants

This page explains your rights to get repairs done and to carry out improvements if you have an agricultural tenancy (a 1991 Act tenancy, limited duration tenancy or short limited duration tenancy). You and your landlord both have certain responsibilities to maintain the fixed equipment on the land you are renting. Read more

Help to pay for repairs

If you need to carry out repair, improvement or adaptation work to your home, you may be able to get some financial help. This will depend on the kind of work you want to do, and on your personal circumstances. This section looks at sources of help if you rent or own your home, or are elderly or disabled. Read more

Home safety

This section looks at how to keep your home safe. It covers fire, gas and electricity safety, and includes advice on preventing accidents and what to do in an emergency. It also looks at crime prevention and how to keep your home secure. Read more

Building work

If you are carrying out repairs or improvements to your home, you may need to get a building warrant and/or planning permission before you can start work. Even if you believe that the kind of work you are doing does not require permission, it's best to check with the council's building standards department and planning authority first. Read more

Compulsory purchase orders

In some situations, the council, the Scottish Government or a utility company may need to buy your home from you, in order to build a road, for a example, or a public building such as a school, or because the property you live in is dangerous and needs to be demolished. In order to do this, they must get a compulsory purchase order (CPO). Read more

Energy efficiency

Whether you're a home owner or a tenant, saving energy will help you save money on your fuel bills. This section looks at ways you can improve your home to make it more energy efficient. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to get a grant to help pay for insulation and heating to make your home warmer and more fuel efficient. Read more

Winter weather precautions

When the cold weather approaches, it's important to make sure that your home is 'winter proof'. This page lists some simple precautions you can take to keep your home safe over the winter months, whether you rent or own your home. It also looks at what to do in an emergency, if pipes freeze or burst. Read more