Scottish Government

STEWARDSHIP AND RESPONSIBILITY: A Policy Framework for Private Housing in Scotland

The Final Report and Recommendations of the Housing Improvement Task Force

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CONTENTS

Foreword
Supporting documents/ List of abbreviations
Executive summary
Chapter One: Introduction
Our Remit
Summary of the Key Issues from the First Report
The Key Themes
Our Approach
Equalities Issues
The Structure of this Report
Chapter Two: Quality standards for private housing in the 21st century
Introduction
Background
Updating the Tolerable Standard
Scottish Housing Quality Standard
The Repairing Standard for Private Landlords
Chapter Three: Improving the operation of the housing market
Introduction
Background
Improving the Information Available to House Purchasers
Other Possible Changes to the House Buying and Selling Process
Improving Confidence in the Building Industry
Tax and Benefit Incentives
Chapter Four: Facilitating common repairs and maintenance
Introduction
Background
Making Decisions on Communal Repairs and Maintenance
Funding Communal Repairs
Managing Communal Repairs and Maintenance
Ensuring that Owners Understand their Responsibilities for
Communal Repairs
Identifying Owners
Insurance
Chapter Five: Public sector intervention and support at the local level
Introduction
Background
Strategic Planning
Providing Assistance to Owners
Modernising Local Authority Powers
Chapter Six: Improving standards in the private rented sector
Introduction
Background
Repair Problems: Strengthening the Rights of Private Tenants
Regulation and Accreditation
Wider Issues
Chapter Seven: Concluding remarks
References
Annexes
A: The Housing Improvement Task Force and sub group membership
B: Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in Scotland views on the content, format and estimated cost of the proposed single survey
C: Recommendations in respect of local authority powers