Scottish Landlords Under Fire for Neglecting Property Repairs, New Report Reveals

Recent research conducted by Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) has unveiled a disturbing trend where some landlords across Scotland are failing to address issues in their properties, despite being legally obligated to do so.

The 'In A Fix' report released by CAS highlighted alarming statistics. Between 2021 and 2023, CAS advisers provided counsel on repairs in nearly 5,600 cases, constituting 10% of all housing advice offered by CAS in that period. Alongside housing concerns, a significant portion of those seeking advice also sought help for financial struggles, including managing debts, utility bills, and seeking charitable aid.

The report included anonymous case studies illustrating a range of issues faced by tenants, encompassing both private and social rented sectors, and even cases involving owner-occupiers. Tenants reported distressing living conditions such as lack of heating, hot water, dampness, mold, and vermin infestations.

Some tenants revealed fears of reporting issues, citing concerns about potential eviction threats. Shockingly, individuals recounted experiences where local authorities allegedly failed to address critical problems, leaving tenants in distressing situations.

CAS spokesperson Aoife Deery emphasized, "The research shines a light on housing repair conditions in Scotland, revealing a distressing reality for many tenants. It's concerning that tenants, already financially vulnerable, encounter difficulties getting basic repairs done, and worse, fear losing their homes by requesting repairs."

Deery further stated, "While most landlords fulfill their obligations, the cases we see highlight the failure of a minority of landlords. It's a disservice to responsible landlords, tarnishing the entire sector's reputation."

The report urged the Scottish Government to take decisive actions, proposing penalties for landlords attempting to evict tenants reporting repairs, expanding funding for local authorities, considering insurance options for landlords, and reviewing current codes of practice for letting agents.

Deery concluded, "It's unacceptable that individuals seeking advice have had to endure substandard living conditions. It's crucial to rectify these systemic failures to ensure safe and adequate housing for all."