Guidance issued to help ensure ‘quality’ in private rented housing

GUIDANCE has been issued, for landlords, to help them comply with regulations to ensure private rental properties meet minimum ‘quality’ standards.

Says the Scottish Government, here, which has issued the guidance: “From March 1 [next year], all private rented properties will be required to have central heating, a kitchen with adequate space and facilities to prepare and store food, and common areas that are safe to use and properly maintained.

“Properties will also need a circuit breaker device that reduces the risk of electrocution and fire.

“Existing requirements for safe gas and electrical systems will be extended to other types of fuel. Similar standards are already in place in the social rented sector.

“The guidance also covers the action landlords must already take to prevent damp and mould.”

The announcement continues: “The Repairing Standard, contained in the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006, covers the legal and contractual obligations of private landlords to ensure that their property meets a minimum physical standard.

“The Standard was updated on March 1 2019 to clarify existing legislation and to introduce new elements. Landlords have been given five years to carry out work to bring housing up to meet these new elements, with a statutory deadline of March 1 2024.”

Picture credit: Place Design Scotland

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