Human Rights and the Private rental sector

Research by Julie Aitken (2023)

This case study investigates human rights to privacy and quiet enjoyment of the home for those living in the Private Rental Sector (PRS) in Scotland. The right to privacy, and quiet enjoyment of the home has received little attention in the academic literature (Lister, 2004, p.154). This study is a small step towards filling this gap. The study is limited in scope and used a small sample of publicly available information.

It finds that the enactment of landlord inspections may be incompatible with the human right to privacy and quiet enjoyment of the home.

It finds that further research on landlord and letting agent inspections to expand the evidence base is needed. This should take a mixed methods approach ensuring that the experience of both tenants and landlords is explored.

It finds tangible opportunities to strengthen and define what a landlord inspection is, and isn’t.