Social landlords are now required to make sure their properties meet high quality energy efficiency and health and safety standards.

The Scottish Housing Quality Standard (SHQS) is now a requirement rather than a target, with social landlords expected to ensure tenants' homes are energy efficient, free from serious disrepair, have good condition kitchens and bathrooms, and meet health and safety guidelines.

Between 2007 and 2015, social landlords invested £3.3bn in improving housing stock. It is projected that 94% of properties will comply with the standard by today, with just a small number reporting difficulties in meeting the new requirements. There are around 596,000 dwellings in the social rented sector.

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Housing Minister Margaret Burgess said: "Making sure everyone in Scotland has access to good quality housing is a vital part of the Scottish Government's drive to secure economic growth, social justice and tackle inequality.

"Over the last 10 years social landlords have invested heavily to improve the conditions of houses with social tenants now living in better quality homes with modern facilities, heating systems and safety features. These achievements show the benefits of a standards-led approach to improving the quality and energy efficiency of social housing.

"Social landlords should be congratulated for this significant progress with homes across Scotland now meeting these conditions, and I am confident this new requirement will ensure even more people are able to live in warmer, safer and drier homes."

(CD/JP)