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.

You must keep your home in good condition and allow access for repairs.

The council or housing association's responsibilities

Check your tenancy agreement for your landlord's duties. The council or housing association must normally repair:

pipes, drains, toilets and sinks
gas, electricity and heating systems
substantial damp and mould caused by repair issues
your roof, windows, doors and the exterior of your home
communal hallways, lifts and shared areas

If your home came with any appliances or furniture, the council or housing association is responsible for repairing them. These should be listed in your tenancy agreement.

Keeping your home to a legal standard

Your home must meet a legal standard of repair called the tolerable standard.

If your home does not meet this standard, the council or housing association must do repairs.

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:

Your responsibilities as a tenant

Reporting repairs

You must report all repair issues as soon as you notice them.

If you cause damage in your home you must report it, but the council or housing association is not required to fix it. They could arrange the repairs and charge you the cost.

Giving access for repairs

You must allow workpeople and housing officers 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 repairs 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 but it has broken, it's a repair.

You usually need permission to make larger improvements, such as replacing kitchen units.

The rules are different if 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.

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
keeping furniture or appliances that came with your home in good condition

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

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:

Advice on common repair issues

Last updated: 5 October 2026