Advice for private tenants
House condition problems and repairs
Repairing Standards states that your landlord has to make sure a property meets a minimum physical standard.
You can apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) if you think your landlord has failed to meet their duty. Landlords can be legally ordered to carry out the work.
CLICK HERE IS YOU ARE A HOMEOWNER WITH REPAIR NEEDS
Getting repairs done
You should tell your landlord about the need for any repairs as soon as you can and keep a record of this. You are responsible for sorting damage you have caused. The Highland Council Housing Options Team or other support service can help you speak with your landlord or apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber).
The standard of your home
If you think your home is not fit to live in, our Environmental Health Officers may be able to help you.
If you think your home is not fit to live in (Below Tolerable Standards), our Environmental Health Officers may be able to help you.
We can inspect your home and help you sort out a serious problem and liaise with your landlord.
We also have a duty and powers to take action if your home falls below a certain standard. A home may not be fit to live in if:
- It has a bad problem with rising or penetrating damp
- It is not structurally stable, subsidence for example
- It doesn't have adequate ventilation, natural and artificial light or heating
- It doesn't have adequate thermal insulation
- It doesn't have an adequate supply of fresh water
- It doesn't have a sink with hot and cold water
- It doesn't have an indoor toilet
- It doesn't have a fixed bath or shower and wash basin with hot and cold water
- It doesn't have a good drainage and sewerage system
- If there is an electric supply and it doesn't meet the relevant safety regulations
- There are no satisfactory cooking facilities
- It doesn't have a proper entrance
Advice on how to resolve issues is available from Shelter Scotland.
Adapting privately rented property
Home improvements for private residents
Private renting tenants have a legal right to carry out work to adapt their home to meet the needs of a disabled occupant. This right is subject to the landlord's consent but cannot be withheld without good reason.