Gorgie/Dalry member Cassidy had no heating for two years, but after going to her local member defence meeting she decided to take on her case. 

Gorgie/Dalry member Cassidy won from DJ Alexander £435 rent rebate plus an ongoing 30% rent reduction until a heating system is installed.

When Cassidy moved into her flat two years ago, there was no form of heating in the property and she relied on portable electric heaters provided by the letting agency. With rising energy costs and winter approaching, this situation was no longer tenable. 

With support from Living Rent, Cassidy demanded a negotiation with DJ Alexander in which she secured a timeline for the agency to install heating, £435, and an ongoing 30% rent reduction until works are completed.

If you are facing unfair treatment by a letting agency, housing, association, or the council, come along to one of our meetings to learn how you can fight it.

Your rights if you have no heating as a private tenant. 

Having no heating in your private rented housing is in violation of the Repairing Standard of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 Section 13. 

• 'there must be a fixed heating system that's in reasonable condition and working properly'

• 'installations for supplying and heating water must be in reasonable condition, working properly, and free of lead pipes to the kitchen taps' 

A private landlord must do these repairs in a reasonable time. You can read more about your rights on Shelter Scotland's website. 

Your rights if you have no heating as a social tenant. 

Having no heating in your council or social housing is a violation of the Tolerable Stand in the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987.

• have satisfactory provision for natural and artificial lighting, for ventilation and for heating. Adequate natural lighting under good weather conditions should be available in rooms intended for sleeping, sitting or eating meals. A test for this is whether normal domestic activities can be undertaken without the aid of artificial light. Ventilation is thought to mean that fresh air can circulate easily to all rooms. see here. 

If you rent from a Registered Social Landlord, and you do not have heating, you can see your rights on Shelter Scotland's website here. 

If you want to fix your issue contact us at [email protected]