The Tolerable Standard
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The Tolerable Standard was initially introduced by the Housing (Scotland) Act 1969. It is now set out in the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 as amended by the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001.
It is the minimum standard acceptable for dwellings and when coupled with the local authorities' associated powers of intervention, ensure that all dwellings meet basic standards of public health, comfort and safety.
Where dwellings fail the Tolerable Standard, local authorities have statutory powers to act to address this.
For the purposes of the Act, a dwelling will meet the Tolerable Standard if it:
- is structurally stable
- is substantially free from rising or penetrating damp
- has satisfactory provision for natural and artificial lighting, ventilation and heating
- has an adequate supply of piped wholesome water, both hot and cold
- has a sink provided with a an adequate supply of both hot and cold water
- has a water closet (WC) or waterless closet available and suitably located within the house for the exclusive use of the occupants
- has a fixed bath or shower and a wash-hand basin, all with a satisfactory supply of hot and cold water and suitably located within the house
- has an effective system for the drainage and disposal of foul and surface water
- has satisfactory facilities for cooking food within the house
- has satisfactory access to all external doors and outbuildings



