Your landlord must repair your home and any appliances they've provided.

You must keep your home in good condition, report repair problems as soon as possible, and allow access for repairs.

Your landlord cannot:

• charge you for repairs, unless you caused the damage

• say that you're responsible for repairs or write this in your tenancy agreement

Your landlord’s repair responsibilities

Your landlord must make sure your home meets the repairing standard and the tolerable standard. They must also meet all their repair duties set out in your tenancy agreement.

The repairing standard

Your landlord must make sure that your home: 

• is wind and watertight

• has a structure and exterior that is in reasonable condition

• has a fixed heating system that's in reasonable condition and working properly

• has safe and convenient access to spaces for food storage and food preparation, including space to install appliances like a cooker and fridge

• has safe access to any common areas, such as a shared garden or close

• only has installations supplying gas, electricity, any other fuels, and sanitation that are working properly and in reasonable condition

• only has installations supplying and heating water, that are working properly, in reasonable condition and are free of lead pipes to the kitchen taps

• has fixtures, fittings or appliances that are in reasonable condition and working properly, if they are provided by your landlord 

• only has furnishings that are safe to use, if these are provided by your landlord 

• has secure common doors fitted with safe emergency exit locks

• is substantially free from damp and mould

The tolerable standard

Your home only meets the tolerable standard if:

• it's structurally stable

• it's insulated well enough

• it does not have problems with rising or penetrating damp

• there’s enough ventilation, natural and artificial light, and heating

• there’s a suitable way for you to install cooking facilities

• the electric supply meets safety regulations

• it has:

  • an acceptable fresh water supply

  • a sink with hot and cold water

  • an indoor toilet

  • a fixed bath or shower

  • a good drainage and sewerage system

  • a proper entrance

  • suitable smoke, fire and carbon monoxide alarms

Keeping your home safe

Your landlord must do safety checks and follow the rules around:

• gas safety

• electrical safety

• fire safety

How long repairs should take

Your landlord must do repairs in a reasonable amount of time. What counts as reasonable depends on the circumstances.

If you have damp and mould, there are set timescales your landlord must act within. Check our advice on types of damp and mould and who’s responsible.

For other repairs, decide what you think is reasonable and then ask your landlord or letting agent to agree to it.

To decide how long you think the repair should take, ask yourself:

• whether it’s an emergency

• what effect it’s having on you

• how long is fair and realistic for your landlord to fix it

Your responsibilities as a tenant

You must:

• report repairs as soon as possible

• allow access for repairs to be done

• take care not to damage the property

• get permission to decorate or keep pets

• keep your home clean

• keep any furniture provided in good condition

• carry out minor maintenance, such as changing light bulbs

• keep your home reasonably well heated and ventilated, to avoid dampness and frozen pipes

If you're struggling to heat your home, contact Home Energy Scotland for advice.

If you cause any damage your landlord can make you pay the cost of repairing it. This does not apply to fair wear and tear. For example, if carpets or furniture become worn through normal use, your landlord cannot charge you to replace them.

If you feel you cannot meet your responsibilities as a tenant, you can get support. For example, if you have difficulty keeping your home clean and tidy because of mental health, mobility or hoarding issues, you could contact:

• MIND, the mental health charity

• Age Scotland

• Hoarding UK

If you want to do home improvements

You need permission from your landlord. You’re responsible for the work and the costs.

Improvements are things like painting and decorating or replacing the kitchen or bathroom.

It can be risky to spend money on improvements. You won't get your money back if you move out or your landlord ends your tenancy.

If you make changes without permission, your landlord could charge you to put things back the way they were.

Advice on common repair problems

• damp and mould

• leaks and flooding

• boilers, heating and hot water