You have sole responsibility for the repair and maintenance of your property. Check your property for signs of deterioration or disrepair regularly.
Routine repair and maintenance can save you money and enhance the value of your property. Issues of disrepair and poor maintenance can quickly escalate.
They can be dangerous, costly and affect neighbouring properties.
Common defects:
- loose/slipped slates
- unstable chimney stacks
- loose stone/brick work
- loose gutters/downpipes
- unstable boundary walls
Find a local trader to assist and solve the problem with the Angus Reputable Traders Scheme (ARTS)
Call our contact centre on 03452 777 778 if you think you have identified a dangerous building.
Common repairs
If you live in a building with two or more properties, you may be jointly responsible for those parts in which you have a common interest. Common interest parts of the building can include:
- foundations
- chimney stacks, vents and flues
- the roof
- mutual gable walls
- gutters, downpipes and drains
- security entry systems/stairwells
- boundary walls, pathways, gardens
Tenements (Scotland) Act 2004
Your title deeds may contain a Deed of Conditions or other document that clarifies your common repair responsibilities. If the deeds do not cover this issue, you may still be responsible in terms of the Tenements (Scotland) Act 2004. If you are unsure about your rights and responsibilities, you can appoint a solicitor to provide advice or act on your behalf or refer to legislation under the Tenements (Scotland) Act 2004.
Common repair, common sense
If you own a property and you have identified a common repair issue but you are unsure of the best course of action, read Common repair, common sense. This Scottish Government leaflet provides useful information on how to deal with issues such as where to get advice, your rights and responsibilities, managing repairs and maintenance, paying for repairs, and dealing with difficulties.
Templates and checklists
You may decide that the easiest way to handle maintenance and repairs is to hire a property manager or factor to take care of things for you. However, you may decide to self-manage the building, meaning that you and your co-owners would carry out any management work directly. To help you manage your buildings communal repairs and guide you and your neighbours through the process use our templates and checklists.
Tenements (Scotland) Act 2004
This law affects every owner in a building that is divided into two or more properties on different floors. It applies to residential, business and commercial properties.
Some owners may be reluctant to contribute towards the repair costs. The Act aims to ensure that common parts of buildings are kept in good condition by setting out a decision-making structure. This should make it easier to carry out repairs where owners disagree.
Flat owners can get advice on repairs and maintenance on the Under One Roof website.
Fire and smoke alarms
From February 2021 all homes must follow new standards relating to fire detection. The standard requires:
- one smoke alarm installed in the room most frequently used for general daytime living purposes
- one smoke alarm in every circulation space on each storey, such as hallways and landings
- one heat alarm installed in every kitchen
All alarms should be ceiling mounted and interlinked. Carbon monoxide detectors must be fitted where there is a carbon-fuelled appliance (such as boilers, fires - including open fires, heaters and stoves) or a flue.
Costs are the responsibility of homeowners and landlords. If you sell your property compliance with the new standard will form part of the Home Report.
You can find out more on the Scottish Government website.
Improving Energy Efficiency
To find out how to make your property more energy-efficient visit Home Energy Scotland.
Or read about how Eco Flex 4 can improve energy efficiency and reduce fuel poverty.