This content applies to Scotland only.

Housing laws vary between Scotland and England. Get advice relating to England

You may have to pay extra charges for services, such as cleaning or gardening. This is particularly likely if you live in a tenement building or block of flats. If you are a home owner, you will also have to pay for repairs and maintenance to your property.

Maintenance, repairs and improvements

As a home owner, you have to pay for repairs and maintenance to keep your home in good condition. Minor repairs can be relatively cheap and you may be able to do some of the work yourself, but some problems (such as repairs to a roof or a heating system) can be very expensive. Some repairs may be covered by buildings insurance, but most will not. In some circumstances, you may be able to get a grant from the council to help you pay for the repairs.

Service charges

You may also have to pay fees for services such as:

• stair cleaning
• window cleaning
• gardening
• heating and lighting or maintenance in communal areas
• a caretaker, doorperson or concierge.

Make sure you find out about these charges before committing to buying or renting a property.

Factoring fees

Some flats and tenement buildings employ a factor or professional manager to arrange services such as cleaning, maintenance and repair work. You will pay an annual fee for their services, and for the costs of any work they arrange. This is more common in the west of Scotland than the east.