Empowering tenants: How to stand up to landlords and fight for your rights
Tenants often face challenges like unaddressed repairs, dampness and rent increases, compounded by a power imbalance with landlords. This article highlights how Living Rent supports renters through collective action and member defence sessions.
By Joe Dewhurst, a member of Living Rent | Photo by Iain McLellan
Tenants often face challenges with their landlords, such as delays in essential repairs, persistent issues with damp and mould, or unaffordable rent increases. These situations are unacceptable, yet the power imbalance between tenants and landlords often makes it difficult to address these problems effectively. Tenants may even fear eviction for simply asking for necessary repairs or livable conditions, which can feel overwhelming and disempowering.
You don’t have to face these challenges alone. Living Rent, Scotland’s tenants’ and community union, exists to support its members in tackling landlord-related issues. As a union, we work collectively to address tenant concerns and ensure fair treatment.
Landlords are legally required to provide safe, secure homes that are windproof, watertight, free from damp and mould, and equipped with functional appliances. However, many landlords neglect these obligations, often without facing consequences.
Collective Action Works
Living Rent has repeatedly shown the power of tenants coming together. Through collective action, we’ve resisted evictions, prevented unfair rent increases, secured essential repairs, and won compensation. These successes demonstrate that tenants don’t have to accept poor treatment—they can achieve significant change by uniting and standing up for their rights.
We also raise awareness by speaking to the press and engaging with the wider community. By showing landlords that unacceptable behavior won’t go unnoticed, we pressure them to meet their responsibilities.
Get Involved
If you’re struggling with landlord issues, join our next Member Defence Session to share your experiences and learn from others. The Southside Member Defence Group meets regularly at Milk (452 Victoria Road) on the last Monday of the month, from 6:30–8:00 pm. You can also join Living Rent and learn more at www.livingrent.org/join. Together, we can make a difference.