Right to Repair
The Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 introduced legislation regarding the tenant’s 'Right to Repair'. This legislation establishes the legal right that tenants should expect certain essential repairs to be completed by their landlord within a reasonable timescale. The Regulations provide clear details of the types of repairs covered and the timescales in which repairs should be completed.
The legislation also gives clear guidance on the procedure for processing essential repairs. The tenant must be informed that the repair being reported is covered by the Regulations and the Association must also provide the tenant with details of an alternative contractor. The Association must also inform the tenant that under certain circumstance they may be due compensation if the repair is not completed within the set timescale.
Please click on link for further details of the Right to Repair Regulations. Details of qualifying repairs under the Right to Repair are given below: -
Qualifying repairs and maximum time for completion
| Qualifying Repair | Maximum Period (Working days) |
|---|---|
| Blocked flue to open fire or boiler | 1 |
| Blocked or leaking foul drains, soil stacks or toilet pans where there is no other toilet in the house | 1 |
| Blocked sink, bath or drain | 1 |
| Loss of electric power | 1 |
| Partial loss of electric power | 3 |
| Insecure external window, door or lock | 1 |
| Unsafe access path or step | 1 |
| Significant leaks or flooding from water or heating pipes, tanks, cisterns | 1 |
| Loss or partial loss of gas supply | 1 |
| Loss or partial loss of space or water heating where no alternative heating is available | 1 |
| Toilet not flushing where there is no other toilet in the house | 1 |
| Unsafe power or lighting socket, or electrical fitting | 1 |
| Loss of water supply | 1 |
| Partial loss of water supply | 3 |
| Loose or detached banister or handrail | 3 |
| Unsafe timber flooring or stair treads | 3 |
| Mechanical extractor fan in internal kitchen or bathroom not working | 7 |
