Defective and dangerous buildings
If you own a building/ a share in ownership of a building it is your/your joint responsibility to look after it and maintain it in a good state of repair.
Accordingly we strongly recommend that you to undertake regular "health checks" of your property. This makes financial, as well as common sense, as it should ensure that any defects are attended to as quickly as possible and limit the extent of any damage - some of which may not be readily identifiable. Putting off routine repairs can hasten the deterioration process which may result in unexpected and high repair costs, which could easily be avoided.
If through lack of maintenance or as a result of inclement weather or accident your property becomes dangerous or is defective to the point that there is a risk to the safety of the public or occupants, then we may be obliged to take enforcement action using powers under the Building (Scotland) Act 2003.
Where a formal notice is served, the details will appear in the enforcement area of the Building Standards Register.
Ultimately if we need to become involved in terms of providing protective works you as owner will be liable for all costs incurred by us including officer's and administrative time.
We will undertake the minimum work required to safeguard the public which is generally in the form of securing the building. Thereafter it is the responsibility of the building owner to carry out any work. If the owner(s) fail to meet their responsibilities, then ultimately we can arrange for the repair work to be undertaken. Again all costs incurred by the Council, including administrative costs, will be recharged to the owner(s).
If you are concerned regarding the condition of a building, please contact Building Standards.
