The Repairing Standard
Michael Steyn | 3rd December 2009As defined by Chapter 4 of Part 1 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 the landlord must ensure that the property meets the Repairing Standard. The Standard refers to maintaining the property and its contents in a reasonable state of repair and in proper working order.
One important implication is the requirement to have a mains powered smoke detection system. From the 3 September 2007, when a battery operated smoke detector fails it must be replaced with a mains powered system.
The tenant can now apply to the Private Rented Housing Panel (PRHP) if they feel the landlord has failed to meet the Repairing Standard. The PRHP has the power to instruct a landlord to carry out any necessary work. Further details on the PRHP may be found at: www.prhpscotland.gov.uk