Contents
- Something needs repaired
- My landlord won't do the repairs
- My flat is infested with bugs
- The neighbours are really noisy
- Breach of contract or Threat of Eviction
- I don't get on with my flatmates anymore
- Useful Contacts
What to do if…
Something needs repaired
Your landlord has a responsibility to undertake repairs and make sure that the flat meets the “Repairing Standard” at all times during your tenancy. This includes ensuring that the flat is wind and watertight, that there is a fixed heating and hot water system, and that these and any appliances supplied as part of the tenancy agreement are in working order. Gas and electrical safety are also covered by this standard.
Contact your landlord or their agent in the first instance to get repairs done. Keep a note of when you contacted them, in case you need to chase it up. A reasonable length of time to carry out a repair depends on the nature of the problem – serious risks to your health and safety should be dealt with urgently, whereas more minor repairs might take a little bit longer.
My landlord won’t do the repairs
From 1st December 2016, tenants can ask the Housing and Property Chamber Tribunal to force their landlord to carry out repairs which are related to the Repairing Standard. (Prior to 1st December 2016, this was known as the Private Rented Housing Panel).
Before the HPC will consider your case, you have to be able to demonstrate that you have reported the problem to your landlord and given him/her a reasonable chance to respond. So it’s a good idea to keep copies of any letters or emails you send your landlord about the repairs. For a template letter you can customise and send to your landlord, see our ‘Repairs‘ page or use the Shelter Scotland template letter.
You can download an application form, together with details of the Repairing Standard, from the HPC website.
You can also call into the Advice Centre in the John McIntyre Building for more help and advice.
My flat is infested with bugs
Contact your landlord or the council’s environmental health officer (EHO), in the first instance. For Environmental Health contact details and more information about pest control, check out Glasgow City Council’s webpages on this.
The neighbours are really noisy
First try and speak to your neighbour, because it might just be that they don’t realise how noisy they are. If this does not help, contact your landlord or the Environmental Health Department. You can find more guidance and report a noise problem on Glasgow City Council's website here.
Breach of contract or Threat of Eviction
Your landlord can only evict you if they have valid grounds, and they must follow a legal process and give you the requisite notice. You can find out more at Shelter Scotland.
If one of your flatmates breaks the contract, or your landlord threatens to evict you, contact the SRC Advice Centre.
The same applies if you have problems getting your deposit back when you move out.
I don’t get on with my flatmates anymore
It will be a lot easier if you can work things out with your flatmates. Try talking things through with them, and let them know how you’re feeling to see if there’s anything you can do to make things better. If you do decide to move out of your flat early, you will have to negotiate this with your landlord or you could end up being liable to pay the remaining months’ rent. if you're having problems getting out of a joint tenancy then you can speak to us in the Advice Centre or speak to Shelter Scotland.
You do not have to accept upsetting or threatening behaviour though – if this is happening, contact the Advice Centre to discuss your options.
Useful Contacts
SRC Advice Centre
advice@src.gla.ac.uk
0141 330 5360
Glasgow University Accommodation Services
accom@gla.ac.uk
0141 330 4743
Shelter Scotland
0808 800 4444 (Monday to Friday - 9am-5pm)
Student pad (independent website)
Glasgow City Council
HMO Unit – 0300 343 0414
HSE gas safety advice line (Monday to Thursday - 9am-5.30pm, Friday - 9am-5pm)
0800 300 363
Gas Emergency Service (gas leaks) 24 hour helpline
0800 111 999
Carbon Monoxide and Gas Safety Society