Right to Compensation for Improvements
The Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 introduced Regulations regarding the tenant’s 'Right to Compensation for Improvements'. The Regulations establish the legal right that tenants can expect to be compensated for various prescribed improvements provided they have sought permission of the Association to make the improvements.
The Regulations give clear guidance on the types of improvements that would qualify for compensation and a formula for working out the depreciated value of the improvements. Any compensation would be payable net of any outstanding rechargeable repair accounts and rent arrears.
Details of the procedure for seeking permission to make improvements and claiming compensation are given in the Association’s Right to Compensation for Improvement Policy. Please click on the following link for a copy of the Right to Compensation for Improvements Regulations. Details of qualifying repairs under the Right to Compensation are given below:
Qualifying Improvements - Right to Compensation for Improvements
| Item | Improvement | Notional Life (Years) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bath or shower | 12 |
| 2 | Sound insulation | 20 |
| 3 | Wash hand basin | 12 |
| 4 | Toilet (WC complete) | 12 |
| 5 | Kitchen sink (including base unit | 10 |
| 6 | Storage cupboard in bathroom/kitchen | 10 |
| 7 | Worktops | 10 |
| 8 | Space/water heating | 12 |
| 9 | Thermostatic radiator valves | 7 |
| 10 | Insulation of pipes, water tank or cylinder | 10 |
| 11 | Loft insulation | 20 |
| 12 | Cavity wall insulation | 20 |
| 13 | Draught proofing of external door/windows | 8 |
| 14 | Double glazing/other window replacement/secondary glazing | 20 |
| 15 | Installation of mechanical ventilation in bathrooms | 7 |
| 16 | Rewiring/provision of power and lighting/other electrical improvements (including mains wired smoke detectors) | 15 |
| 17 | Security meaures, excluding burglar alarm systems | 10 |
