The tribunal will look at your application and decide whether to accept your case.

You and your landlord or letting agent will receive an email or letter to tell you what happens next.

If something is missing from your application

The tribunal will write to you and tell you:

• what you need to send

• the deadline for sending it

Respond to any requests as soon as you can. If you need more time, contact the tribunal and explain why.

If you do not respond, your application could be rejected.

If your application is accepted

The tribunal will set a date for a case discussion or hearing. This is a chance for you and your landlord to explain your position, and for the tribunal members to ask questions.

The tribunal will give you at least 14 days’ notice of a case discussion or hearing. It will usually take place over the phone during office hours.

If you’re applying about a repair problem, the tribunal will also set a date for an inspection of the property. This usually happens on the same day as the case discussion or hearing.

If you cannot make it to the case discussion or hearing

Contact the tribunal as soon as possible. Explain why you cannot make it and ask to reschedule for a date and time that suits you.

If it's not possible to reschedule, or if you do not feel comfortable speaking at the tribunal, you could:

• have someone else attend on your behalf – you must tell the tribunal that they will be representing you

• ask to send written representations instead – this means you explain more about your case in writing

It's best to attend or have someone else attend if you can.

If you want to send more evidence or information

Up to 7 days before the case discussion or hearing, you can:

• send any extra documents or evidence that you want the tribunal to consider

• add or change written representations to give more context to your application

If you want to send new evidence with less than 7 days’ notice, ask the tribunal for permission to do this.

If you need help with the process

Your case will have an assigned caseworker at the tribunal. They can answer questions about the tribunal process and timeline.

They cannot give you legal advice, such as advising you on your evidence.

If you have not been sent your caseworker's details, contact the tribunal by phone or email and tell them your case reference number.

Phone: 0141 302 5900 - Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm, Friday 9am to 4:30pm.

Email: HPCAdmin@scotcourtstribunals.gov.uk

If the problem is resolved

In some cases, starting tribunal action could prompt your landlord to solve the problem more quickly.

If this happens, you can withdraw your application at any time.

If you have different problems with your landlord, make a new application. The tribunal will only consider problems that were listed in your original application.

Reasons your application could be rejected

• the application is not valid – for example, if you apply about a repair problem after you’ve moved out

• the tribunal does not believe there’s enough evidence that your landlord has broken any rules

• the tribunal thinks you’re applying for a different reason than the one you’ve stated in your application

• you have not responded to requests from the tribunal

Making a new application

You can apply again with extra evidence, or if your circumstances have changed.

If your application is identical, it’s likely that the tribunal will reject it again.

If you think your case has been wrongly rejected, get advice from Shelter Scotland. An adviser can help you work out your next steps.