Better Dispute Resolution in Housing: Consultation on the Introduction of a New Housing Panel for Scotland. A bit of a mouthful, but this is the title of the latest Government proposal for Scotland's Homeowner Housing Panel which was published in January 2013. The paper can be found by clicking here.

In very simple terms the government is inviting comment on its plan to change the way that housing disputes are resolved.

The consultation examines three principal options:

• The expansion of mediation,?other forms of

So how can tenants ensure repairs happen? The Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 stipulates that a private landlord must ensure that each tenanted property meets a basic standard of repair; if the property doesn't then tenants can make a referral to the Private Rented Housing Panel (PRHP).

In order to meet the repairing standard:

• The property must be wind and watertight and fit for human habitation,
• The structure and exterior of the property must be in proper working order,
• The installations for the supply of water,