Owners need to be aware of their own responsibilities and that of their neighbours, for maintaining the common parts of their tenement. Common repair is a joint responsibility and those wishing to have common works carried out to their building must build consensus in the owners’ association for such work.
The booklet, Common Repair, Common Sense from Consumer Focus Scotland explains common responsibilities in a tenement in everyday language.
Our Advice
- Get a copy of your titles from your solicitor or lender.
- You need to be well informed about your responsibilities and right for the common parts of the building and those of your neighbours.
Tenement Condition Surveys
To help owners understand the condition of their building, the maintenance options open to them and the costs of the various options, the Council will consider grant assistance to fund tenement condition surveys.
The owners in the tenement have to agree on the appointment of a construction professional; an architect, surveyor or similar, to carry out the condition survey and a grant may be available for this.
Our Advice
- Get a survey done for your tenement.
- Require your consultant to give to realistic choices based on likely budgets for repair work.
- Remember it’s your building. Even with grant to help pay for the survey you’re in charge and the consultant works for you.
Landlords
Landlords should be aware that failure to adequately maintain or repair any property that is let or available for let may adversely impact on your landlord registration.
Technical Guides
Most old buildings, whether listed or not, utilise traditional materials of stone, slate and timber. Historic Environment Scotland produce a range of technical ‘Inform Guides’ providing easy to understand information for home owners on all aspects of the maintenance of older buildings.
In addition, there is a short ‘Maintaining Your Home’ guide for homeowners.
Our Advice
- By being informed you can make better decisions about the future of your building.