Dangerous Building Notice: Glasgow Property Guide

Public Safety Scotland 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Scotland

If your property in Glasgow, Scotland has been served with a dangerous building notice you must act quickly to protect people and limit council action. Glasgow City Council’s Building Standards team is the primary local contact for dangerous structures and emergency works; contact details and guidance are available on the council site Glasgow City Council Building Standards[1]. This guide explains immediate steps, what the notice may require, how enforcement works, appeal routes and practical next actions for owners, agents and tenants in Glasgow.

If people are at immediate risk, call the emergency services before contacting the council.

Penalties & Enforcement

Local authorities in Scotland have statutory powers to deal with dangerous buildings. The Building (Scotland) Act 2003 sets out enforcement tools for local authorities, including carrying out emergency works and recovering costs, and criminal sanction routes for non-compliance; see the Act for statutory wording and powers.Building (Scotland) Act 2003[2]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Cost recovery: councils may carry out required works and recover reasonable costs from the owner, as provided under the statutory regime.
  • Escalation: the Act allows notices, works carried out by council, and prosecution where necessary; specific daily or fixed fine ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: work orders, emergency repair directions, and seizure or securing of unsafe structures until remedied.
  • Enforcer and complaints: Glasgow City Council Building Standards enforces dangerous building notices and accepts reports via its building standards contact pages and report forms.[1]
  • Appeals and review: the notice should state appeal or review routes; statutory time limits for appeal are not specified on the cited page and should be checked on the notice or with the council.
  • Defences and discretion: defences can include having a reasonable excuse, or proof of active remedial work; councils retain discretion where emergency protection of the public is necessary.
Keep a copy of the notice and any photographic evidence; councils use these when deciding works.

Applications & Forms

The council publishes contact details and guidance for building standards, but a specific public "Dangerous Building Notice" form is not published on the council page cited; if a form exists it will be linked from the Building Standards contact or report pages.[1]

  • Name/number of form: not specified on the cited page.
  • Fees: not specified on the cited page.
  • Submission: contact the council Building Standards team using the official contact channels listed on the council site.

Immediate action steps

  • Call emergency services if there is immediate danger to people or property.
  • Contact Glasgow City Council Building Standards to confirm the notice details and deadlines.[1]
  • Arrange urgent professional inspection and temporary measures to make the site safe (e.g., fencing, shoring).
  • Keep records: gather notices, photos, receipts and contractor reports to support any appeal or cost recovery dispute.

FAQ

Who enforces a dangerous building notice in Glasgow?
Glasgow City Council Building Standards is the enforcing authority; reports and contacts are on the council building standards page.[1]
Can the council carry out works and charge me?
Yes. The council may order works or carry out emergency repairs and seek to recover reasonable costs under the statutory powers in the Building (Scotland) Act 2003.[2]
How do I appeal a notice?
Appeal or review procedures should be set out on the notice; if not, contact the Building Standards team for instructions. Specific statutory time limits are not specified on the cited page.

How-To

  1. Read the notice carefully and note any deadlines and required actions.
  2. Contact Glasgow City Council Building Standards immediately to confirm the notice and report any errors.[1]
  3. Engage a structural engineer or qualified contractor to assess and provide a written plan for remedial work.
  4. Submit any required forms or notifications to the council and keep proof of submission; if no public form is published contact the council for instructions.
  5. Carry out remedial works, retain invoices and evidence, and notify the council when works are complete.
  6. If you disagree with the notice, ask the council about review or appeal routes and submit any appeal within the time stated on the notice.

Key Takeaways

  • Prioritise safety: immediate risk requires calling emergency services first.
  • Contact Glasgow City Council Building Standards right away and keep detailed records.
  • Costs can be recovered by the council; retain invoices and evidence to challenge charges if required.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Glasgow City Council Building Standards contact and guidance
  2. [2] Building (Scotland) Act 2003 - statutory powers and enforcement

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