*The Scottish Government has published further guidance since this blog was first published in March 2023.
The Repairing Standard Statutory Guidance (January 2024) is accessible here: (link: https://www.gov.scot/binaries/content/documents/govscot/publications/regulation-directive-order/2024/01/repairing-standard-statutory-guidance-private-landlords/documents/repairing-standard-statutory-guidance-private-landlords/repairing-standard-statutory-guidance-private-landlords/govscot%3Adocument/repairing-standard-statutory-guidance-private-landlords.pdf)
In 2019 the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 (Modification of the Repairing Standard) Regulations 2019 took effect.
See our earlier blog: Changes to the Repairing Standard for a summary of the changes that came in to force on 1 March 2019
Further changes are set to take effect on 1 March 2024. The following will become requirements of the Repairing Standard:
- A requirement to have safely accessible food storage and preparation space
- The heating installations will be amended to require that there is a fixed heating system
- Flats, an amendment to the repairing standard will mean that the tenant must be able to safely access and use any common parts
- Any common doors will have to be secure and fitted with locks which can be opened from the inside without a key
- All electricity supply installations will have to include a residual current device (which breaks the circuit when there is a fault).
- “Other fuels” will be added to the requirement that electricity and gas installations are in proper working order and a reasonable state of repair
The Scottish Government has published new guidance incorporating all of the changes scheduled to take effect on 1 March 2024.
We suggest Landlords and Letting Agents commence steps to ensure let properties meet the new repairing standard from 1 March 2024.
If you require specific advice on the Repairing Standard Regulations, please get in touch.
