Question for Scottish Landlords

PoGee

If letting through a letting agent, when did your letting agent tell you about the new rules regarding lead pipes?

Alderbank

I don't have a letting agent so I can't answer your question, but by 'new rules' do you mean the amended guidance following from the queries raised by the Scottish Association of Landlords?

That guidance only appeared at the end of last month so possibly not filtered down everywhere yet. The new guidance now sensibly will only need a single test at most properties.

PoGee

Thanks Alderbank. But it says if lead found, we only have till 01/03/24 to change pipes. That would mean distruption to tenants mid tenancy. Is there a fine if pipes not changed by deadline? Propertty was built 1864 ish.

user1977

PoGee said:

Property was built 1864 ish.

And does it have any lead pipes? My family (Victorian) home had its lead service pipe replaced in the 1980s (I think there were grants available at the time).

Enforcement would (in the first instance anyway) be an order to get the replacement carried out, nobody's dishing out automatic fines on 1 March.

theartfullodger

What does YOUR contract with YOUR letting agent say about such matters please?  Of the various agreements I've seen with Scottish agents they all "promise" different things.

I'd be very surprised if there is a general obligation to inform a landlord of such things.  Surely a landlord has a duty to remain legally informed, agent or no agent.

Are you a member of SaL and done the courses?

Wouldn't want to be risking lead poisoning to tenants, especially children, regulations or no regulations.

PoGee

theartfullodger said:

What does YOUR contract with YOUR letting agent say about such matters please?  Of the various agreements I've seen with Scottish agents they all "promise" different things.

I'd be very surprised if there is a general obligation to inform a landlord of such things.  Surely a landlord has a duty to remain legally informed, agent or no agent.

Are you a member of SaL and done the courses?

Wouldn't want to be risking lead poisoning to tenants, especially children, regulations or no regulations.

Contract is full management which quotes (within contract and website), that they keep landlords informed of all legislations.

PoGee

user1977 said:

PoGee said:

Property was built 1864 ish.

And does it have any lead pipes? My family (Victorian) home had its lead service pipe replaced in the 1980s (I think there were grants available at the time).

Enforcement would (in the first instance anyway) be an order to get the replacement carried out, nobody's dishing out automatic fines on 1 March.

I think whole building (8 flats) was refurbished in 1988 so hopefully pipes were done at same time.

dimbo61

So you can check my looking for bright blue plastic mains water pipe coming into the building and nice copper pipes around your property