The bill will lay down rules for flats and tenements

The Tenements (Scotland) Bill is designed to help people living in shared buildings to manage and maintain their homes.

It proposes to seal several loopholes in property law to protect homeowners.

Every tenement, modern flat and high rise office block will have to include a management scheme in its title deeds.

Repair work to communal areas will need the agreement of the majority of residents, not all of them as now.

All private owners will pay towards the cost of maintaining areas of communal ownership, like the roof and external walls, but there will be an appeal process for objectors.

The bill is expected to become law later this year.

The new law will create a fairer system for repair work and will mean that neighbour disputes can be resolved more quickly and fairly Mary Mulligan Deputy Communities Minister

She said: "Most homeowners want to ensure their homes are well looked after.

"The changes we are announcing will make sure that basic repair and maintenance work can be carried out, even if a minority in a tenement property refuse to co-operate or pay for their share of the work.

"It will also make it easier for homeowners in a shared property to work together to maintain the shared areas of their buildings, such as the close, stair or roof.

"The new law will create a fairer system for repair work and will mean that neighbour disputes can be resolved more quickly and fairly."

Expensive repairs

Last month concern was raised that crumbling tenement buildings could cost homeowners tens of thousands of pounds in repairs.

The British Geological Survey warned that about one in 10 sandstone buildings could be affected.

The Chartered Institute of Housing gave the bill a qualified welcome.

Nick Fletcher, the body's policy and public affairs officer, said the legislation should contain provisions forcing owners to carry out property maintenance surveys every five years.

He said: "Some repair needs are not obvious to the naked eye and only become so when masonry begins falling or water starts coming through from outside.

"By this time the cost of what might have been a relatively minor repair can become very expensive."

The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations said the proposals would make it easier for repairs to be carried out.

But a spokesman for the Tories said they were not convinced a change to the law was even needed.

"If a tenement cannot reach agreement on its own the council can and do step in to ensure the repairs are carried out," he said.