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What is Repairing standard?
Last verified 23 October 2026
The repairing standard is the legal minimum condition that privately rented homes in Scotland must meet. It sits alongside the tolerable standard, covers the property and any communal areas, and stays the landlord's responsibility even when a letting agent manages the home.
Why it matters to landlords
The home must be wind and watertight and structurally stable, with adequate ventilation, heating and insulation, and no damp or mould problems. The electrics must be safe, with a residual current device and an inspection by a registered electrician at least every five years, and appliances the landlord supplies must be safe and regularly inspected. Gas must be checked every year by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The home also needs interlinked smoke alarms, a heat alarm in the kitchen, carbon monoxide detectors where needed, a safe water supply and suitable cooking facilities.
From 6 October 2026, Scottish landlords must have reports of damp or mould investigated by a competent person within 10 working days, and start repair work on substantial damp or mould within 5 working days of the investigation ending. If a landlord does not carry out repairs, the tenant can take the case to a housing tribunal.
Example
A tenant in Aberdeen reports black mould in a bedroom. The landlord has a competent person investigate within 10 working days, sends the tenant a written summary of the findings within 3 working days, and starts work on the cause within 5 working days of the investigation.
How to prove your rental is compliant →
Related terms
- Scottish landlord register
- Damp and mould
- Awaab's Law
- EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report)
- Legionella risk assessment