If you own a tenement flat, you are also responsible for maintaining those parts in which you have a 'common interest'. These include the parts that provide support and shelter for the building as a whole, such as the external walls and normally the roof. Where these areas fall into disrepair, all owners are responsible for the funding and implementation of necessary works to return them to a suitable standard. The portion of responsibility for each premises within the building may be set out in the title deeds. If shares are not specified within the title deeds then you will require to default to the Tenement Management Scheme within the Tenements Scotland Act 2004.
For everything you need to know regarding the repair of your tenement building we would refer you to the Under One Roof Scotland website.
This website provides essential information on all aspects of common repairs. UnderOneRoof is supported by Dundee City Council.
The 'Novoville' Shared Repairs App designed to help owners organise common repairs in tenement buildings, is now available to use across Dundee. The 'Novoville' Shared Repairs App allows co-owners in a building to join their 'virtual tenement' where they can connect with each other and manage their block's repairs and maintenance needs from start to finish.
The App could provide benefit to owners who self-factor their tenement or where there are property management arrangements in place. However, the App can also be used by tenement owners where the property is factored as this will assist with communication and the sharing of information. On the App, the need for repair or maintenance work can be highlighted and this can be reported to tenement proprietors and then progressed. Contractors can be contacted and quotes obtained via the App.
Owners can then use an in-built voting system to select their preferred contractor and are able to pay their share of the cost into a secure account available in the App rather than one owner having to coordinate those payments.
The App is free to download from both the App Store and Google Play and is operational in a number of local authority areas. Fees charged by Novoville upon the completion of a successful repair or maintenance project vary depending on the total cost of the project - see Novoville Shared Repairs website for more details.
For any further advice and information on common repairs you can also contact the Advice & Liaison Team (01383 436847) or refer to our Scheme of Assistance for Private Sector Housing which can be found on our website
