Getting access for repairs or inspections as a private landlord
The tenant must let you into the property in certain circumstances.
You must get their permission and give them the right amount of notice before you can come in.
You cannot go into the property if your tenant refuses you access. You can apply to a housing tribunal if you believe you should get access.
When you must get access
You must get access to:
- inspect the property
- check if you need to do repairs
- do repair work
The tenant can choose to refuse access if it’s for any other reason.
Notice you need to give tenants
Depending on the type of tenancy the tenant has, you must give them:
- 48 hours’ notice, if they have a private residential tenancy agreement
- 24 hours’ notice, if they have an assured or short assured tenancy agreement
You can only give them less notice in an emergency. For example, stopping flooding into another property below.
Give notice in writing. Keep a record of it in case there's a dispute over access.
If the tenant does not give you access
You can take your tenant to a tribunal. It's called the First-Tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber).
The tribunal will decide if you have a legal right to get access or not.
If it decides in your favour, it will arrange a time and date for you to access the property.
How to apply to the tribunal
Complete form B (Right of Entry) and send it to the tribunal. Get form B and notes on completing it on the tribunal website.
You must also send the tribunal a copy of:
- the tenancy agreement
- evidence that you’ve requested access
There’s no cost to apply to the tribunal.