Home maintenance and support

Our scheme of assistance sets out how we provide advice and assistance to help homeowners improve the quality of private housing in Dumfries and Galloway.

Go to our scheme of assistance for homeowners and the private rented sector 

Home energy efficiency programme

To create warmer, more fuel-efficient homes, we work with the Energy Agency. They offer eligible households solutions to poor home energy efficiency, including exterior wall insulation. 

Find out more about improving energy effieciency.

Grants for private properties in need of repair

If you own or privately rent your house, and it falls below tolerable levels of repair, we may be able to provide some financial assistance. 

Find out more about financial and grant support for homeowners.

Building maintenance service – Trusted Traders scheme

If you're considering contracting professionals to do work on your property, we recommend using our Trusted Traders scheme.

Shelter Scotland

Shelter Scotland has advice about repairs for properties with different types of ownership, with common areas and advice about adaptations and grants.

Fire alarms

The law on fire alarms changed in February 2022. All Scottish homes must have interlinked alarms. Interlinked means if one goes off, they all go off, so you will always hear an alarm wherever you are in your home.

It is your responsibility as the homeowner to meet the new standard.

If you have a carbon-fuelled appliance, such as a boiler, fire, heater or flue, in any room, you must also have a carbon monoxide detector in that room. It does not need to be linked to the fire alarms.

For more information, go to fire and smoke alarms: changes to the law – Scottish Government. 

Fire alarms for deaf people

If you are deaf it is important that you or your landlord choose a fire alarm system which has a compatible deaf alarm. For more information, go to guidance on fire alarm accessories and alerts for deaf people – Scottish Government.

You can also contact the local Sensory Support Team.

Home maintenance leaflets

We have produced a series of leaflets to help you maintain your home. They include guides on:

• asbestos
• common repairs
• energy efficiency
• hiring a contractor
• keeping your property in good repair
• lead and your water supply
• occupational therapists

Contact us to request copies:

Email: strategichousing@dumgal.gov.uk