Tenants rights in Scotland are predominantly governed by the Housing (Scotland) Act 1988. While housing law is a complicated area of the law it does provide tenants with certain rights with regards to privately rented accommodation.
Basic Information
Most privately rented accommodation will have what is known as an "Assured Tenancy". This provides the tenant with certain statutory rights, regardless of whether or not a landlord has provided them with a lease. This means that these rights will prevail over any conflicting clause in a lease agreement. There are exceptions to these rules however, such as where the landlord also resides in the property and where the lease is provided by an educational institution (i.e. where the tenant is staying in University Halls of Residence).
A Tenant's Rights Where an Assured Tenancy Exists
Landlords are obliged to provide a written lease free of charge. A tenant cannot be legally evicted in the absence of a court order obtained by the landlord. A court order will only be granted where there are legal grounds for eviction. The property to which the lease pertains must be fit for human habitation and must be wind and watertight. It must remain so throughout the duration of the tenancy. The landlord must undertake any repairs in order to comply with the above and then repair any damage caused to the property in order to carry out those repairs. These repairs must be carried out within a reasonable time of the tenant notifying the landlord, or the landlord becoming aware that these repairs are required. The landlord must provide twenty-four hours advanced notice to the tenant of when he intends to carry out any repairs.
A Tenant's Obligations Where an Assured Tenancy Exists
- To pay rent on time.
- To look after the property and use it in the correct manner.
- To pay for any repairs necessary as a result of his actions.
- To notify the landlord of any damage to the property in need of repair (i.e. defective sanitary systems; leaking roof etc.).
- To allow the landlord access to the property for repairs. (The landlord must provide twenty-four hours advanced notice to the tenant of when he intends to carry out any repairs.)
Deposits
A landlord is entitled to seek a returnable deposit in advance of the commencement of a tenancy. This deposit is usually a sum of money equal to one months rent but which must not exceed two months rent.
At the end of the tenancy agreement a tenant is entitled to the return of their deposit. However, the landlord may withhold part, or all, of the deposit in order to fund any repairs necessary as a result of damage that the tenant has caused to the property; non-payment of rent; unpaid bills or to replace any items missing from the inventory. Any deductions made by the landlord must be reasonable.
In the event that the landlord refuses to return the deposit, or withholds part of it on what are felt to be unreasonable grounds then the tenant should write to the landlord expressing his concerns. The tenant should keep copies of any correspondence between the landlord and himself.
If the landlord still withholds the deposit then the tenant should seek legal advice with regards to raising a Court action to recover the deposit. Many universities offer free legal advice to students.
Inventories
Most landlords will provide tenants with a written inventory of all items provided within the flat. At the commencement of the tenancy, tenants should check the inventory and confirm it with the landlord in writing. At this stage the tenant should inform the landlord not only of any missing items but also the extent of any damage present on the items. The tenant should keep a copy of the inventory and the confirmation given to the landlord.
In the event that the landlord does not provide the tenant with an inventory the tenant should seek to obtain one from the landlord. If the landlord refuses to provide an inventory then the tenant should write to the landlord at the commencement of the tenancy stating that an inventory has not been provided.
Gas Appliances
The law provides that all landlords must now have gas appliances checked for safety at least every twelve months. On request by a tenant the landlord must produce evidence to confirm that these checks have been carried out.
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