Disrepair
A definition of disrepair is based on the former Decent Homes Standard criteria which states that a dwelling fails this if it is not in a reasonable state of repair. This is based on the dwelling age and condition of a range of building components including walls, roofs, windows, doors, electrics and heating systems. Ref Making a Difference, Housing and Health: A Case for Investment, published by BRE and Public Health Wales NHS Trust on 19 June 2019.
The Scottish House Condition Survey (SHCS) suggests there are four levels of disrepair; basic, critical, urgent and extensive.
- Any (or Basic) disrepair is the minimum threshold of disrepair and relates to any damage where a building element requires some repair however minor, beyond routine maintenance.
- Critical elements disrepair refers to ‘…disrepair to building elements central to weather-tightness, structural stability and preventing deterioration of the property.’
- Urgent disrepair relates to situations requiring immediate repair to prevent further damage or health and safety risk to occupants.
- Extensive disrepair must cover at least 20% or more of the building element area.
Ref The economic, social and environmental benefits of stimulating repairs and improvements to the Scottish built environment to aid a green recovery from Covid-19, February 2021, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde Business School.
See also: Repair.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- A measure of net well-being that incorporates the effect of housing environmental impacts.
- Calculating compensation for property damage.
- Decent homes standard.
- Defective premises and freeholder liabilities.
- Dilapidations.
- Property disrepair and landlord liabilities
- Quantifying the health benefits of the Decent Homes programme FB 64.
- Repair.
- Repairs and optional improvements.
- Schedule of condition.
- Substantial disrepair.
- The cost of poor housing to the NHS.
- The cost-benefit to the NHS arising from preventative housing interventions (FB82).
- The full cost of poor housing in Wales. May 2019
- The full cost of poor housing. May 2016
- The real cost of poor housing.
- What's the condition of your housing stock?
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