Landlord and Tenant Dispute Solicitors Glasgow

Tenancy dispute lawyers in Glasgow

Disagreements between landlords and tenants are common in the private rented sector. Most landlord and tenant disputes are about money, the condition of the property or what the tenancy agreement says. Many can be settled with clear advice and a well written letter. When they cannot, residential disputes usually go to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber), while commercial lease disputes go to the sheriff court.

Our landlord and tenant solicitors are part of our property dispute resolution team, and act for clients across Scotland. A solicitor can advise you on your legal rights under the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 or your lease, gather the evidence and negotiate on your behalf. If needed, we represent you at the tribunal or take court action. We also deal with older assured tenancies and residential property let under other arrangements.

Landlord and tenant disputes we deal with

Rent arrears

If a tenant falls behind with rent, the first step is usually to talk and try to agree a payment plan. If that fails, a landlord can apply to the tribunal for an order for payment. Where arrears build up, eviction may also be possible, although the landlord must follow the pre action requirements first. Read more about eviction and notices to leave.

Rent increases

For a private residential tenancy, a landlord can only increase the rent once every 12 months and must give the tenant at least three months’ notice using the prescribed form. A tenant who thinks the increase is too high can refer it to a rent officer within 21 days.

The Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 is changing the rules. From 1 April 2027, tenants will have 30 days to refer an increase, and a rent officer will not be able to set a rent higher than the one the landlord proposed. Councils are also assessing local rents ahead of possible rent control areas.

Repairs and the condition of the property

Private landlords in Scotland must make sure their property meets the repairing standard at the start of the tenancy and throughout it. This covers things like the structure, heating, hot water, electrics, smoke and heat alarms, and safety of gas appliances.

A tenant should first tell the landlord about the problem in writing. If the repairs are not carried out within a reasonable time, the tenant can apply to the tribunal, which can make a repairing standard enforcement order. Landlords, in turn, are entitled to reasonable access to inspect and repair the property.

Deposits

Landlords must lodge a tenancy deposit in an approved scheme within 30 working days of the start of the tenancy. At the end of the tenancy, disputes about deductions for damage, cleaning or unpaid rent can be decided free of charge by the scheme’s adjudication service. If the deposit was not protected, the tenant can apply to the tribunal for up to three times the deposit. Read more about reclaiming a tenancy deposit.

Letting agents and landlord registration

Private landlords must be registered with their local council, and letting agents must be registered and follow the Letting Agent Code of Practice. Tenants and landlords can apply to the tribunal if a letting agent breaches the code, for example by mishandling money or failing to deal with repairs.

Commercial landlord and tenant disputes

Commercial leases are mainly governed by the terms of the lease, so disputes often turn on the wording. We act for commercial landlords and tenants in disputes about:

• rent arrears and service charges
• rent reviews
• repairs and dilapidations at the end of a lease
• break options and ending a lease under tacit relocation
• assignation, subletting and alterations
• irritancy, where a landlord seeks to end the lease early

For unpaid rent, a landlord must give the tenant at least 14 days’ warning before it can irritate the lease. Read more about commercial leases.

How we resolve a landlord and tenant dispute, step by step

Why choose Simplicity Legal for your tenancy dispute?

• We act for landlords, letting agents and tenants, so we know both sides
• Experienced solicitors in residential and commercial property litigation
• Settlement first, with the tribunal or court as a last resort
• Plain English advice and clear costs
• Regulated by the Law Society of Scotland

Contact our landlord and tenant dispute solicitors in Glasgow

If you are in a dispute with your landlord or tenant, early advice can stop it from escalating. Call 0141 433 2626 or request a callback, and one of our property dispute solicitors will be in touch. We also have offices in Edinburgh and Dumfries. Please note that we do not offer legal aid. Clarity Simplicity Ltd is regulated by the Law Society of Scotland. This advice does not apply to England and Wales.

Find out more about our property disputes services, including neighbour disputes and boundary disputes.

Your landlord and tenant questions answered