Emergency Repairs
on Novoville

If a repair is considered an emergency, it can be repaired immediately. No voting, and no waiting period.

The extent of any emergency works should be limited to the minimum work required to halt the emergency. A "scheme decision" should then be sought to be made for the rest of the work. For example, if there is a leak in the roof of a flat, the "emergency" element would be erecting tarpaulin on the roof over the affected area to stop the leak and prevent further damage. Following this, a vote should be held to obtain a "scheme decision" for the required work to repair the roof more comprehensively.

Any works that do not fall under the limited definition of emergency works require a Scheme Decision to be binding on all proprietors. If a proprietor instructs comprehensive works prior to obtaining a Scheme Decision, they are running the risk that they may not be entitled to payment from their fellow proprietors if they do not obtain a Scheme Decision before the work is completed.

The Tenement Management Scheme Rule 7.3 defines “emergency work” as the following:

"For the purposes of this rule, 'emergency work' means work which, before a scheme decision can be obtained, requires to be carried out to scheme property—
(a) to prevent damage to any part of the tenement, or
(b) in the interests of health or safety."

Still sounds complex? Get in touch.