Tenement Maintenance Plans: What they are and how a Property Factor can help
With many tenement buildings across Scotland growing older and showing signs of disrepair, the Scottish Government is pushing for stronger, more structured approaches to maintenance. One of the proposals gaining momentum is mandatory tenement maintenance plans (TMPs).
In this article we’ll explore:
- What TMPs are and why Scotland would benefit from them
- What might be included in a plan
- How Taylor & Martin already supports long-term maintenance planning
- What homeowners should be doing now to prepare
What Are Tenement Maintenance Plans (TMPs)?
A Tenement Maintenance Plan would be a formal, long-term strategy for how a tenement building is maintained. It aims to ensure that common areas, structural features, and essential services are kept in a safe, sustainable condition over time.
While TMPs are not yet law everywhere, they build on recommendations that are being considered by the Scottish Government, including:
- Regular building surveys every five years for tenements.
- Creating and maintaining a reserve/sinking fund for reactive and future repairs, so homeowners are less at risk of not being able to afford substantial works.
- Establishing owners’ associations (or strengthening existing ones), possibly with legal status, which help coordinate maintenance, decision-making, and ensure accountability.
These proposals stem from the Parliamentary Working Group on Tenement Maintenance and related reviews. They aim to address problems like delays, neglected common areas, unpredictable costs, and disagreement between owners.
Why They’re Needed: The Case for TMPs
Several issues have driven momentum for TMPs in Scotland:
- Ageing stock & historic buildings – Many tenements (especially pre-1919 or inter-war) require more frequent repair and investment.
- Deferred maintenance – When small problems are left unaddressed, they grow into much bigger, more expensive issues (roof leaks, damp, structural faults).
- Disputes between owners – It’s often difficult to get consensus, funds, or action when maintenance is needed but perhaps wasn’t planned or budgeted for.
- Cost shocks – Bills for major repairs often come with little warning, putting a burden on individual homeowners.
- Safety, sustainability, heritage protection – Maintaining tenement buildings is not just about looks: safety, energy efficiency, fire risk, structural integrity are all involved. Scotland’s heritage also depends on well-maintained tenements.
TMPs are intended to remedy many of these issues by forcing regular reviews, planning ahead and ensuring funds are in place.
What a Tenement Maintenance Plan Might Include
While final legislation or policy may vary, based on current proposals, a robust TMP would likely contain:
| Element | What It Might Cover |
| Regular Inspection Schedule | Inspections of common parts (roof, gutters, external walls, stairs, close, chimneys etc.) every 3-5 years; reports on condition; identified works required. |
| Reserve / Sinking Fund | A shared fund among all owners to accumulate money over time for planned repairs; rules on contributions; transparency of how the fund is managed. |
| Owners’ Association or Committee | A formal body of the homeowners who have legal or quasi-legal status; annual meetings; decision-making powers; ability to appoint a manager or factor; approving budgets. |
| Planned Repair / Maintenance Schedule | A multi-year plan setting out when works will be done (e.g. repainting, slating, pointing, gutters, structural monitoring); prioritisation of urgent vs longer-term tasks. |
| Cost Apportionment Rules | Clear rules for how costs are shared between owners, in line with Deeds of Conditions or the Tenement Scotland Act; rules for handling defaults / non-payers. |
| Legal & Administrative Arrangements | Obligations of owners; possibly registering with a public register; liability and accountability |
| Transparency & Reporting | Regular reporting to owners; financial statements; breakdowns of what works were done, why, and by whom; disclosure of inspection reports. |
These elements are already part of the recommendations made in various government/working group proposals.
How Taylor & Martin Helps Homeowners Prepare Now
Though TMPs may not yet be universally required, at Taylor & Martin we believe preparing early is wise. Here’s how we already help, or can help, homeowners get ready:
- Assessment & Inspection Services – We arrange regular inspections of tenement common parts: roof, gutters, stonework, external walls. Early identification of defects helps reduce overall cost and disruption.
- Long-Term Planning & Scheduling – We work with owners to draw up maintenance schedules, prioritising needed works, budgeting over multi-year periods to avoid costly surprises.
- Reserve Funds / Sinking Funds Advice – Advising on setting up a shared fund for future repairs, helping owners understand what level of contribution makes sense based on building condition and likely lifespan of components.
- Owners’ Associations Facilitation – Helping owners form or strengthen associations: establish governance, agree budgets, host meetings, prepare AGM agendas, ensure decision-making is clear and legal.
- Transparent Cost & Contractor Management – Procuring competitive quotes, using trusted contractors, ensuring quality of workmanship, giving clear cost breakdowns to owners.
Possible Timeline & Legal Changes
Some of the proposals are already being considered, though full legislative change often takes time. Highlights of what is under discussion:
- The Scottish Government has indicated plans for building inspections every five years.
- Proposals for compulsory Owners’ Associations, with defined roles and budgets.
- Establishing a formal reserve fund for tenement repairs.
- Legal reforms via the Law Commission related to the recommendations from the Working Group on Tenement Maintenance.
Homeowners should keep an eye on consultations, draft bills, or public notices as these are rolled out.
What Homeowners Should Do Now
To get ahead, here are steps you can take today:
- Review your Deeds of Conditions to see what they require regarding maintenance, common parts, voting and decision-making.
- If your building doesn’t already have one, start or join an owners’ association / committee.
- Push for or agree a schedule of works: start with urgent items (e.g. roof, water ingress, safety hazards).
- Consider setting up a repair reserve/sinking fund where possible—agreeing realistic contributions with your neighbours.
- Ask your factor or prospective factor for inspection histories, cost estimates, condition reports.
- Make sure all owners are informed: transparency reduces conflict.
- Keep documentation: records of work, quotes, correspondence can help with planning and, if needed, evidence for future inspections or funding.
Scotland’s push toward tenement maintenance plans reflects a growing recognition that our older buildings need structured care — not only for heritage, safety, and aesthetic reasons, but also for sustainability, financial predictability and quality of life.
Taylor & Martin are already acting in this spirit: by advising clients, planning ahead, facilitating community decision-making, and delivering maintenance in a transparent, professional way.
If you live in a tenement building, now is a great time to start preparing: review your current maintenance, talk to your neighbours, and partner with a factor who understands the changing landscape. With the right plan, your building can stay safe, beautiful and well maintained for generations to come.