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The proposal establishes mandatory five-year building condition surveys, with an objective to tackle poor maintenance in residential properties with common parts.<\/p>\n
RICS says that a significant part of Scotland\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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