In a tenement, the roof and stonework are usually everyone's job, and everyone's bill. Here's what to check, using official sources.
Check a street with the Flat Risk Check
1. Read the survey on the shared parts
mygov.scot says the Home Report's single survey is based on a visual inspection by a chartered surveyor and covers the home's condition and any repairs you may need. If repairs are marked as urgent or needing future attention, it suggests considering whether you can cope with the cost and getting estimates before going ahead. Look closely at the roof, chimneys, gutters, stonework and the common stair.
2. Know what's shared
Unless the title deeds say otherwise, the Tenements (Scotland) Act 2004 treats the roof, external walls, foundations and load-bearing walls as shared "scheme property". Chimney stacks and windows that serve only one flat are excluded from that default list. See the Tenements Act for buyers for how costs are split.
3. Ask about agreed or planned work
- Has the building agreed any common repairs? Under section 12 of the Act, a new owner can be liable for some costs agreed before they bought, if a notice of potential liability for costs was registered at least 14 days before.
- Is there a property factor, and is a repair or inspection planned?
- Is the address on the council's property enquiry register? Our statutory notices guide explains how to check.
4. Listed or conservation area?
Repairs to a listed building or in a conservation area can need consent if they change its character. Check the street with the Flat Risk Check, then read listed flats and windows and alterations.
Free help
The council's Shared Repairs Service gives private owners free advice on organising shared repairs.
Not legal advice. This is a plain-English summary of official sources to help you know what to ask. Every property is different, so check the details with your solicitor, surveyor or the council before you rely on it.
Related
Buying a flat in Edinburgh: the checklist · The Tenements Act · Property factors · Shared repairs · Browse postcode areas · Search a street
Sources (checked 2026-11-06): mygov.scot: Home Report · Tenements (Scotland) Act 2004, schedule 1 · Section 12 · Council: shared repairs. Summaries are our wording; the council's pages are authoritative.