A survey has identified the presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in the properties of nine Scottish social landlords.

The Scottish Housing Regulator’s survey has so far revealed that 953 homes are affected across the nine housing providers, while 94 social landlords have confirmed that there’s no RAAC present in the homes, and 62 continue to investigate.

Nicola Harcus, Assistant Director with the regulator, said, “We have collected and published this information to help the Scottish government to establish a clear national assessment of RAAC in social housing in Scotland. It is important to stress that the presence of RAAC does not necessarily present an immediate risk.  Landlords should have a good understanding of the presence and condition of RAAC in the homes they provide to tenants so they can have appropriate plans for its management.

“It is also important that where they identify RAAC, landlords communicate quickly and effectively with tenants that are affected. We’ll update the figures we have published today as landlords complete their outstanding investigations and tell us the outcome from these, and we will continue to engage with those landlords who have RAAC in homes to get appropriate assurance about their management of that RAAC.”

RAAC is a lightweight structural construction material used between the 1950s and 1990s in the floors, walls and roofs of some buildings in Scotland, including some residential properties. It is no longer used in buildings in Scotland.  More information about RAAC and the risks associated with its use is available on the website of the Institution of Structural Engineers.

More information on the survey can be found on the regulator’s website.