The Scottish Government

Volume 2
SUMMARY

Owners are responsible for looking after their properties. But where this is not happening, the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 gives local authorities revised powers to deal with sub-standard housing.

Housing Renewal Areas

• These replace the power to designate Housing Action Areas ( HAAs).
• Local authorities can designate an HRA where:
• a significant number of houses are sub-standard; and/or
• any houses are adversely affecting the amenity of the area.
• This is wider than under the HAA system.

Work notices and demolition notices

• Local authorities can issue work notices and demolition notices to implement an HRA.
• Demolition notices can be used to implement an HRA action plan where a house in serious disrepair ought to be demolished.
• They can also issue a work notice on a house which is sub-standard, whether or not it is within an HRA.
• Work notices replace repairs notices and improvement orders.