3. Registered Social Landlords including Housing Associates and Co-operatives
3.2 Rights and responsibilities of housing association tenants
Repairs and maintenance
Responsibility for repairs to housing association houses is shared between the association and the tenant. Generally the association is responsible for maintaining the fabric and permanent fittings of the building in good condition and the tenant is responsible for internal decoration, furnishings and removable fittings. Full details of the respective responsibilities are available from the relevant housing association.
Adaptations
Support is available to help older or disabled people to continue living comfortably and independently in their own homes. Funding is available to adapt houses to suit the needs of the tenant. Typical adaptations include putting in showers, extra heating, handrails and ramped accesses. Generally requests should be put in writing to the association. Needs are usually assessed by an occupational therapist.
'Right to Buy' (where applicable)
Tenants who have a Scottish Secure Tenancy may have the right to buy their home at a discount. These will include those with tenancies which started before 2nd January 1989 or any whose home has been transferred since then from the ownership of Scottish Homes to a housing association. The Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 extends the right to buy to some tenants of housing associations. If the housing association is registered as a charity, tenants will still not be able to buy their house, however, if the housing association is not registered as a charity tenants may have the right to buy their house.
Transfers and mutual exchanges
Tenants can apply for a transfer or to join a mutual exchange scheme. Generally applications for transfer are made to the Housing Manager and assessed and pointed in accordance with the allocation policy.
