Repairs and maintenance
A private landlord has a duty to carry out repairs to rental properties.
- tenants should be made aware who to contact when they need to report a repair
- landlords should arrange at least one property inspection during the duration of the tenancy
- a tenant must be given 24 hours’ notice that you need access to the property, it is recommended that this be in writing
- if necessary repairs are not carried out and should the property not meet the Repairing Standard, your tenant has the right to submit an application to the Housing and Property Chamber: First Tier Tribunal for Scotland
The repairing standard
The repairing standard applies to all private sector tenancies with the exception of occupancy agreements that are not leases. Private landlords are responsible for ensuring that their property complies with the repairing standard both at the start of the tenancy and throughout.
- accommodation must be wind and watertight and reasonably fit for human habitation
- the structure and exterior must be in a reasonable state of repair
- installations for the supply of water, gas and electricity must be in a reasonable state of repair and in proper working order
- fixtures and fittings and any appliances provided by the landlord must be in a reasonable state of repair and in good working order
- any furnishings provided by the landlord must be able to be used safely and for the purpose they are intended for
- there must be a satisfactory means of detecting and warning about fire (such as smoke alarms)