Repairs if you rent from the council or housing association
Check who's responsible for repairs
If you rent from the council or housing association, they’re responsible for most repairs in your home. Certain repairs must be done within a set number of days.
You must keep your home in good condition and allow access for repairs.
The council or housing association's responsibilities
The council or housing association must maintain and repair things like:
pipes, drains, toilets and sinks
gas, electricity and heating systems
damp and mould caused by repair issues
appliances and furniture they provide
your roof, windows, doors and the exterior of your home
communal hallways, lifts and shared areas
Your tenancy agreement should list any appliances they must maintain.
Keeping your home to a legal standard
Your home must meet a legal standard of repair called the tolerable standard.
If this standard is not met, the council or housing association must do repairs to put it right.
Your home will not meet the tolerable standard if:
it's not structurally stable
it's not insulated well enough
it has problems with rising or penetrating damp
there’s not enough ventilation, natural and artificial light or heating
there’s no suitable way for you to install cooking facilities
the electric supply does not meet safety regulations
it does not have:
a proper entrance
an acceptable fresh water supply
a sink with hot and cold water
an indoor toilet
a fixed bath or shower
good drainage and sewerage system
suitable smoke, fire and carbon monoxide alarms
Keeping your home safe
The council or housing association is responsible for:
How long repairs should take
Certain repairs must be done within 1 to 7 working days, once the council or housing confirms they'll do repairs.
This is called the Right to Repair scheme. It covers small, urgent repairs that cost less than £350 to do.
If repairs are not done in time, you could get compensation.
How long repairs should take under Right to Repair
Within 1 day
No gas
No water
No heating
No electricity
Unsafe power or lighting socket, or electrical fitting
Significant leaks or flooding from water or heating pipes, tanks, cisterns
Blocked or leaking drains, waste pipe or toilet pan
Toilet not flushing, when there is no other toilet in your home
Blocked sink, bath or drain
Blocked flue
Insecure external window, door or lock
Unsafe access path or step
Within 3 days
Limited electricity supply
Limited water supply
Unsafe flooring or stairs
Loose or detached banister or hand rail
Within 7 days
Kitchen extractor fan not working
Bathroom extractor fan not working
How long other repairs should take
If something’s not covered by the Right to Repair scheme, work should be done in a reasonable amount of time.
Decide what's reasonable for you, and ask the council or housing to agree to it. To decide what's reasonable, ask yourself:
whether it’s an emergency
how long is fair and realistic for them to fix it
what effect it’s having on you and the people you live with
Your responsibilities as a tenant
Report repairs
You must report repairs as soon as you notice them.
Give access for repairs
You must allow workpeople and your housing officer into your home for inspections and repairs at reasonable times of the day.
You should get at least 24 hours' notice in writing before anyone comes over.
You do not need to be given notice for repairs to shared areas, like hallways or roofs of flats.
If there’s an emergency you may not get any notice. Workpeople can break in if they have to, but they must repair any damage they cause.
Making home improvements
You're usually responsible if you want to make improvements to your home, such as painting and decorating.
There’s a difference between repair and improvements. If your home does not have a shower but you want one, it's an improvement. If your home came with a shower that has broken, it's a repair.
You usually need permission to make larger improvements, such as replacing kitchen units.
The rules are different when you need home adaptations.
Gardening
Your tenancy agreement should say who is responsible for maintaining your garden.
It’s usually your responsibility. The council or housing association should make sure it's in a reasonable state when you move in.
Maintaining furniture and appliances
You’re responsible for replacing and repairing furniture and appliances you own.
If your home comes with any furniture or appliances, you must keep them in good condition.
Keeping your home in good condition
You must carry out minor maintenance, such as:
keeping your home clean
checking smoke alarm batteries
heating your home so pipes do not freeze and burst
If you're struggling to heat your home, contact Home Energy Scotland for advice and support.
Last updated: 20 July 2023
Housing laws differ between Scotland and England.
This content applies to Scotland only.