Social landlords in Scotland will be required to make sure their properties meet high quality energy efficiency and health and safety standards.
Introduced in 2004, the Scottish Housing Quality Standard (SHQS) now becomes a requirement rather than a target, with social landlords expected to ensure tenants’ homes are energy efficient, free from serious disrepair, have good condition kitchens and bathrooms and meet health and safety guidelines.
Between 2007 and 2015 social landlords invested £3.3 billion in improving housing stock. It is projected that 94 per cent of properties will comply with the Standard by today, with just a small number reporting difficulties in meeting the new requirements.
The Scottish Housing Regulator is responsible for monitoring social landlords’ performance against the Standard through the Charter data collection and taking action where it thinks is necessary.
Housing Minister Margaret Burgess welcomed the news on a visit to meet tenants living in Melville Housing Association properties in Dalkeith. She said: “Making sure everyone in Scotland has access to good quality housing is a vital part of the Scottish Government’s drive to secure economic growth, social justice and tackle inequality.
“Over the last 10 years social landlords have invested heavily to improve the conditions of houses with social tenants now living in better quality homes with modern facilities, heating systems and safety features. These achievements show the benefits of a standards-led approach to improving the quality and energy efficiency of social housing.
“Social landlords should be congratulated for this significant progress with homes across Scotland now meeting these conditions, and I am confident this new requirement will ensure even more people are able to live in warmer, safer and drier homes.”
Melville Housing currently owns and manages nearly 2,000 homes and in 2014 invested £1.06 million into meeting the SHQS.
David Bookbinder, Director of the Glasgow and West of Scotland Forum of Housing Associations, said: “The very high rate of SHQS compliance is a huge credit to Scottish housing associations and councils, who’ve ensured that social housing stands above all other tenures in terms of standards of property and service.”