There are basic rights that every tenant has, no matter what kind of contract you have agreed with your landlord. Your landlord cannot take away your basic rights; your contract can only give you more.

Basic Tenancy Rights

• You have the right to be left alone in your house, and to refuse entry to anyone you don’t want in your place. Even your landlord must give you notice if he or she wants to get in, and it can’t be less than the amount of time agreed in your contract (usually 24 hours)
• You have the right to have things repaired by your landlord so that your place stays liveable. The outside of your building must be kept in good enough condition that you are protected from wind and rain and your water, gas and electricity must also be in good working order. Furniture might be covered but it may not –that will depend on your contract.
• You also have the right to adequate safety. That means that if you live in a multiple occupancy house (more than one family), your landlord must have an HMO certificate. Your gas must be checked by a certified GAS SAFE gas engineer, you should have adequate means of escape from a fire and other fire precautions like fire extinguishers and blankets.

Shelter - If you want to know more about your rights then visit the Shelter Scotland website , and if you have any questions call the free Shelter Helpline 0808 800 4444 (Mon to Fri 9am - 5pm).