SALTalks with Caroline Elgar – new Repairing Standard requirements

Caroline Elgar, SAL policy manager, recently took part in a SALTalks event with John Blackwood, SAL chief executive, to discuss the new Repairing Standard requirements coming into effect from March 2024, and what this will mean for landlords in Scotland.

You can now view a recording of this online event below. Please note you do need to be logged into the SAL website as a member to be able to view the video.

Please note that since this webinar was recorded the Scottish Government had revised its guidance on lead pipes.

The 3 microgram/litre level referred to in the webinar is no longer relevant in the assessment of whether further action is required following a lead water test. Instead, landlords should seek guidance on interpreting laboratory results from the laboratory testing provider or from Scottish Water. SAL understands that most testing providers will recommend no further action if the content is at or below the statutory maximum of 10 micrograms/litre (note that this maximum level will reduce to 5 micrograms/litre in 2036). Regardless of test results any lead pipework the landlord is aware of in the water supply between the boundary stopcock and the kitchen tap must be removed to comply with the Repairing Standard.

For further guidance see SAL’s factsheet on lead pipes.

Answers to frequently asked questions on the new Repairing Standard duties can be found here.