New statutory guidance for landlords has come into effect from 1st March 2024. The guidance will determine whether a house meets the updated standards of repair in the Repairing Standard Housing Scotland Act 2006, Chapter 4. The guidance applies to all private rented properties. There are similar standards already in place for social rented properties.
As of March 2024, the Repairing Standard Act states that all private rented properties are obligated to have the following:
- Central heating system
- Existing requirements for safe gas and electrical systems will be extended to other types of fuel
- A circuit breaker device that reduces the likelihood of fire and electrocution.
- Sufficient space and facilities in kitchen to prepare and store food
- Properly maintained common areas that are safe to use
Comments from Housing Secretary
Following the update in legislation, Housing Secretary Shona Robison said:
“Landlords have one year to meet our updated Repairing Standard, which will improve the condition of private rented property, make homes safer and ensure consistency between the social and private rented sectors.”
“The majority of private landlords will already be meeting these standards. The guidance published today will help landlords better understand their responsibilities and ensure those who do need to carry out works can do so in advance of the 1 March 2024 deadline.
“All rented homes are required to meet standards that ensure they are free from damp and mould, and this guidance will help us to ensure this happens in the private rented sector.”
Does Your Property Have Damp or Mould?
Landlords are legally obliged to ensure properties remain free of damp and mould. Therefore it is important to ensure that suspect signs of damp or mould are never ignored. Visit our damp proofing page for more information on the common types and causes of damp in properties, and how to fix them.
References
https://www.gov.scot/publications/repairing-standard-statutory-guidance-private-landlords/pages/11/
https://www.gov.scot/news/improving-the-quality-of-private-rented-homes
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