Choosing a factor is an important decision for any property owner in Scotland. A good factor helps keep shared areas safe and well maintained, manages repairs and provides clear communication when issues arise. When the service is right, it brings peace of mind and protects the long-term condition of your building. When it’s not, the frustration can mount quickly.
Many owners look for support after dealing with slow responses, unclear billing or poor upkeep of communal areas. This blog will guide you through what to look for when choosing a factor, the standards they must follow, and how to make sure you pick the right one for your building.
What Does a Property Factor Do in Scotland?
A property factor looks after the shared parts of your building. This can include hallways, stairwells, roofs, gutters, external grounds and any other communal areas. They arrange repairs, carry out regular maintenance and help keep the building safe and compliant.
In Scotland, most factors also manage:
- Close cleaning and waste arrangements
- Landscaping and communal outdoor areas
- Routine property checks and safety measures
- Organising contractors for repairs and planned work
These services can vary depending on the building, so a clear breakdown is important when comparing providers.
Your Legal Protection When Choosing a Factor
Scotland has strong protections in place for homeowners. All factors must follow the Property Factors Scotland Act and be registered on the Scottish Property Factor Register. If a company is not registered, they cannot legally operate.
Every factor must also provide a written Statement of Services. This explains what they do, how they charge, what is included and how you can raise concerns if needed. It is worth taking time to read this before making any decisions.
Key Things to Look for When Choosing a Factor
When comparing providers, focus on clarity, transparency and experience.
Helpful signs of a reliable factor include:
- Clear communication and straightforward contact routes
- Honest pricing with no confusion over what you are paying for
- Local knowledge of Scottish buildings and common maintenance issues
- Experience managing properties similar to yours
It also helps to look at how they handle repairs, their response times and whether they keep owners updated. A good factor will always make these details easy to understand.
Local Considerations for Central Scotland
Many buildings across Glasgow, Edinburgh and the surrounding areas have older layouts, shared closes or tenement features that need regular attention. When choosing a factor, it helps to select one with a strong local presence and experience of handling such properties. Local factors usually have established relationships with trusted contractors, quicker response times and a better understanding of the common issues in Scottish developments.
You can find more detail on the services we offer here.
How to Change Factor If You’re Not Happy
If your current factor isn’t meeting expectations, you are not stuck. Many Scottish properties can choose a new provider as long as the majority of owners agree. The process is straightforward and is set out in the Tenements Scotland Act.
You can read more about the steps involved.
Bringing It All Together
Choosing a factor should feel like a positive step, not a stressful one. With the right information, you can pick a provider who communicates clearly, keeps your building in good condition and respects the trust you place in them. A little research now can save a lot of frustration later.
If you’d like friendly advice or want to see how we support owners across Central Scotland, we’re always here to help.
