The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) in Scotland has issued a policy proposal for a Tenement Health Check that aims to tackle risks from a perceived lack of maintenance.
The proposal establishes mandatory five-year building condition surveys, with an objective to tackle poor maintenance in residential properties with common parts.
RICS says that a significant part of Scotland’s existing housing stock is at risk from lack of maintenance, which must be addressed urgently. Building maintenance is key to sustaining and future-proofing the fabric of buildings of every kind, especially those buildings in common ownership.
The Tenement Health Check policy proposal outlines how Government intervention, owner responsibility and greater stairwell communication can ensure well-maintained buildings can provide adequate living conditions. Neglected buildings cause social problems and end up being condemned, which will only exacerbate a housing supply problem that is already critical.
Poor maintenance of buildings in common ownership is prevalent throughout Scotland, irrespective of location and whether or not third party management arrangements are in place; this points to systemic problems that require Government action. RICS has proposed measures to encourage, and if necessary compel, common owners to have condition surveys undertaken every five years.
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Read the RICS in Scotland Tenement Health Check Policy proposal
