What if the repairs are not done properly?

This content applies to Scotland only.

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

Your landlord is responsible for making sure that repair work is carried out properly. This section explains what you can do if repairs aren't carried out properly or the work causes damage to your belongings.

When are repairs not carried out properly?

The repairs may not be done properly because:

• the standard of the work is poor
• the work has been delayed
• the work hasn't been finished
• the work has caused other repair problems
• the work has damaged internal decorations or personal belongings.

What can I do?

When your landlord arranges for repairs to be carried out, they are responsible for the quality of the work, and for any damage the work may cause. This means they are responsible for repairing any damaged plaster or wall coverings, repainting if necessary and replacing any spoilt items such as carpets. This also means compensating you for any loss or damage to your belongings.

The council, housing association or housing cooperative should have a complaints procedure you can follow if you're not happy with the standard of the repairs. This should be explained in your tenants' handbook, and may also be outlined on your council's website. If your landlord refuses to make good the repairs, you may be able to take court action against them.