Scaffolding for Flats and Blocks

In a block of flats or a converted house, the roof, external walls and other shared parts are usually the responsibility of the freeholder, a management company or the owners together, depending on how the building is owned. The lease or title deeds set out who repairs what and how costs are shared.

That means the first step is often not getting quotes but checking the paperwork and talking to the other owners, the freeholder or the managing agent.

Where leaseholders pay for major works through the service charge, the landlord may need to consult them before the works go ahead. Under section 20 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, consultation requirements apply to qualifying works where any leaseholder's contribution would be more than £250. Managing agents usually run this process.

If you're a leaseholder, you can still request scaffolding quotes to understand likely costs, but the decision usually sits with the landlord or management company.

In Scotland, work to the shared parts of a tenement – roof, chimneys, front wall – is usually a common repair, with costs shared between owners according to the title deeds and the rules that apply to the building. Many buildings have a factor who organises repairs once owners agree.

Scaffolding affects residents' daily lives – light, privacy, balconies and access. Advance notice, a named contact and regular updates make a big difference. Residents should also know not to use or alter the scaffold.