The manifesto has three key asks for all parties ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections to raise standards, improve safety and ensure sustainability:

1. Introduce mandatory qualifications for those managing buildings to improve standards and competence
2. Introduce mandatory Owners Associations, Reserve Funds, five yearly building inspections and mandatory communal building insurance for tenements and blocks of flats
3. Acceleration of the process for action and funding for building remediation for Scotland’s homeowners, ensuring that homes are safe to live in.

TPI Scotland represents factors and property managers across the nation. Formerly the Property Managers Association Scotland (PMAS), members voted to merge with The Property Institute, which covered England and Wales, last year, becoming TPI Scotland.

David Doran, chair of TPI Scotland, said: “It is well known that there is a housing crisis in Scotland and TPI Scotland and its members are ready to help and take action.

“Our members want to enable homeowners to make informed decisions about the maintenance and repair of their buildings.

“To ensure the advice and service provided by property factors is of a high standard, it is only right that professional qualifications should be a necessity for any frontline property factoring staff.

“With over 900,000 flats across the country, 45% of properties show disrepair to critical elements. A lack of awareness of building conditions continues to hold back essential maintenance work.

“Our proposals will require legislative changes and regulatory enhancements. We call on all parties ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections in May to ensure homeowners and residents have well maintained, sustainable, warm homes to live in.”