If you own a flat in a tenement or shared block, you’ve likely run into the same issues: unclear repair responsibilities, slow decisions, and unexpected costs.
To help make sense of it all, we’ve launched a dedicated Factoring FAQ page — designed to give straightforward answers to the questions homeowners across Scotland ask every day. The three most common are below:
1. What does a property factor do — and why do I need one?
At its simplest, a property factor manages the shared parts of your building on behalf of all owners.
That includes organising repairs, arranging inspections, managing budgets, and keeping communication flowing between neighbours.
Without a factor, these responsibilities fall on owners directly. This is fine — and we support any residents taking this on, as our shared buildings are in critical disrepair — but it can be a major undertaking.
- Clear coordination: one point of contact for repairs and contractor management
- Shared decision-making: structured processes instead of informal agreements
- Planned maintenance: fewer emergency repairs and more predictable costs
- Compliance support: help meeting legal and safety responsibilities
2. Can I change my property factor?
Yes — but it depends on how decisions are set up in your building.
Most tenements follow rules set out in title deeds or, if unclear, the Tenement Management Scheme under Scottish law. Typically, a majority of owners can agree to appoint or change a factor.
The challenge is less about the rule — and more about getting neighbours aligned.- Check your deeds: confirm how decisions must be made
- Speak to neighbours: build agreement before taking action
- Review contracts: understand notice periods and exit terms
- Plan the transition: ensure continuity of services and records
3. Why am I paying more than my neighbour?
This is one of the most common — and most frustrating — questions.
In most cases, costs are not split equally. They are divided based on ownership shares set out in your title deeds. That might reflect flat size, position, or historical arrangements.
So even if a repair affects the whole building, contributions can differ.
It doesn't help that many of our title deeds are often written in archaic Victorian (or older) legalese that even experts sometimes struggle to understand. Work is ongoing to develop tech that can scan and interpret these documents, but for now the majority of us are stuck trying to decipher how each deed — particularly the charges and burdens — affects a whole building, and how this sets the apportionment of maintenance or repair costs to each resident.
Learn more about title deeds and property rights in ScotlandOther factors can also influence your bill:
- Different service charges depending on your stair or block
- Shared vs individual repairs
- Timing of payments or previous arrears
If it’s unclear, the key is transparency. A good factor should be able to explain exactly how your share is calculated.
Where to find clear answers
Factoring shouldn’t feel like guesswork. But many homeowners only start asking questions when something goes wrong — a delayed repair, an unexpected bill, or a lack of communication.
That’s why we’ve created a dedicated FAQ page covering:
- Responsibilities in shared buildings
- How decisions are made
- What to expect from your factor
- Common disputes and how to resolve them
We've also included a guide to the great resources at UnderOneRoof, split into easy-to-navigate sections to help you find the right answers quickly.
Shared buildings work best when responsibilities are clear, decisions are organised, and costs are understood. Property factoring is there to support that — but only if you know what to expect.
If you’ve ever wondered why a repair is delayed, how costs are split, or whether you can make a change, you’re not alone.
👉 Visit our full FAQ at 7days.property/factoring-faq.html for clear, practical answers to the questions homeowners ask most.
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