Repairing Standard Compliance

What Landlords need to know

The Housing Scotland Act Repairing Standard requires all landlords to comply with a number of very specific obligations, and those obligations incorporate new buildings safety regulations, primarily in respect of fire detection in rented properties.

All properties that are let to tenants in Scotland should have a robust smoke detection system installed in the property and, in reality, the main change is that all properties must now have mains powered smoke detection in the hallway and landing on each level, in the lounge / living space and a heat detector in the kitchen. Standard battery smoke alarms are no longer sufficient.

We make sure that your property stays Repairing Standard compliant and your tenants stay safe. We and our accredited and experienced contractors will assess your property and will provide you with guidance should your property need upgrading in order to comply with the current legal standards.

The Repairing Standard formalises a number of rules which any reputable landlord will already comply with.

  • the property must be wind and water tight and in all other respects reasonably fit for people to live in.
  • the structure and exterior (including drains, gutters and external pipes) must be in a reasonable state of repair and in proper working order.
  • installations for supplying water, gas and electricity and for sanitation, space heating and heating water must be in a reasonable state of repair and in proper working order.
  • any fixtures, fittings and appliances that the landlord provides under the tenancy must be in a reasonable state of repair and in proper working order.
  • any furnishings that the landlord provides under the tenancy must be capable of being used safely for the purpose for which they are designed.
  • the property must have a satisfactory way of detecting fires and for giving warning in the event of a fire or suspected fire.
  • the property must have satisfactory provision for giving warning if carbon monoxide is present in a concentration that is hazardous to health.

Source : Scottish Government’s publication on the Repairing Standard

Find out more about how we can help you achieve compliance