We offer advice to anyone living with, or affected by, private sector housing issues, including:
- rights and responsibilities
- property condition
- common repairs
- landlord registration
- disability adaptations
- resolving disputes
- energy efficiency
- empty homes
Information on property standards and the rights and responsibilities of private tenants can be found in our Private Tenant Checklist (Word, 22kb).
Please note: we don't provide financial or legal advice.
Our scheme of assistance provides information, advice and practical support to help those living in the private sector repair, maintain, improve or adapt their homes.
Private Sector Matters
We compile a Tenants Private Sector Matters magazine, which focuses on issues specific to private tenants. Our Tenant Talk Spring/Summer 2024 Edition is now available.
The Private Sector Advice Team also provides private sector information and guidance to:
- homeowners
- landlords
- private tenants
This covers a range of private sector housing matters including property condition and tenant rights and responsibilities.
Home Reports
Home Reports help purchasers make informed decisions when buying a property. They provide information about:
- the structural condition of the property
- the energy efficiency of the property
- any repairs required
Home Reports benefit sellers by helping to promote well maintained properties to potential buyers.
Looking after common areas
Residents of buildings with shared access, share responsibility for the maintenance of common areas. Some buildings may have a factoring service which may maintain and clean communal areas.
Accessible homes
Home2Fit is a resource for disabled people looking for adapted or accessible housing for sale or to rent.
Dealing with condensation
Every home experiences condensation, which can lead to mould growth. Advice on dealing with condensation is available.
The Tenement Management Scheme
Tenements are buildings comprising 2 or more flats. If you own a flat within a tenement, your responsibilities in relation to the maintenance and upkeep of common areas are usually detailed in your title deeds. If not, the Tenement Management Scheme may help.
Missing Shares Assistance
This policy will allow us, under certain conditions, to pay a missing share for common repairs in a tenement if one of the owners is unwilling to pay their share.
Tolerable Standard
To be acceptable as living accommodation a house must meet certain standards of repair, known as the Tolerable Standard. This standard applies to both homeowners and landlords.
Empty homes
Our Empty Homes Loan Fund provides interest free loans to bring empty properties back into the affordable rented sector.
More information
Information on private renting, including rights and responsibilities, can be found on the Shelter Scotland Housing Advice website.
The Private Sector Advice Service is available to offer you support and advice on a variety of housing matters.
Under One Roof provides impartial advice on repairs and maintenance for flat owners in Scotland.
LIFT - Open Market Shared Equity Scheme
The LIFT scheme helps people on low to moderate incomes afford to buy a home without having to fund it all themselves. It plays a significant part in the Scottish Government's aim to increase affordable housing across Scotland.
