Report Unsafe Structures - Glasgow Council Bylaws

Housing and Building Standards Scotland 4 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Scotland

Introduction

In Glasgow, Scotland, unsafe or collapsing structures can present immediate hazards to the public and neighbours. Local authorities have powers to inspect, serve notices and carry out urgent work where buildings are dangerous. The principal statutory framework used for dangerous buildings is the Building (Scotland) Act 2003, which sets out local authority powers and duties Building (Scotland) Act 2003[1]. This guide explains how to report unsafe structures to Glasgow City Council, what the council can require, likely enforcement outcomes and how to follow up.

What is an unsafe structure?

An unsafe structure is any building or part of a building that presents a risk to life, health or safety because of collapse, instability, falling materials, or severe disrepair. Glasgow City Council’s building standards and environmental health teams assess risk and decide on immediate measures, temporary closures or repair notices.

Report hazards promptly; immediate action may be taken to protect people.

How to report an unsafe structure

Report observed hazards to Glasgow City Council’s Building Standards or 24-hour emergency line if there is imminent danger. When reporting, provide the address, precise location on the building, description of the defect, photos and whether people are at risk. The council may attend, cordon the area, serve notice or arrange urgent repairs.

  1. Call the council emergency contact if there is immediate danger.
  2. Submit a formal report online to Planning and Building Standards with photos and location details.
  3. Keep records: date/time of report and any reference number given by the council.
Keep copies of emails and photos for any future appeal or recovery of costs.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for dangerous or defective structures in Scotland is exercised under the Building (Scotland) Act 2003 and related regulations. Local authorities, including Glasgow City Council, may serve notices requiring owners to make safe, carry out works or restrict access. The Act allows the authority to carry out the work and recover costs from the owner where necessary Building (Scotland) Act 2003[1].

The council can act immediately where life or limb is at risk.

Fines, penalties and escalation

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Recovery of council expenses for works carried out by the authority: provided for in the Act; specific sums are not listed on the cited page.
  • Escalation for continuing breaches: not specified on the cited page.

Non-monetary sanctions and orders

  • Dangerous building notices requiring works or demolition.
  • Immediate cordons, prohibitions on access and temporary closures.
  • Court proceedings for enforcement where owners do not comply.
  • Recovery of expenses through civil recovery or charging orders.

Enforcer, inspections and complaint pathways

The enforcing body is Glasgow City Council’s Planning and Building Standards section (and Environmental Health where public health is affected). For immediate danger use the council emergency contact; for non-urgent reports use the council’s report form or Building Standards submission channels. Official contact and reporting pages for Glasgow City Council are listed in Help and Support / Resources below.

Glasgow City Council enforces local actions and may recover costs from the property owner.

Appeals, review and time limits

  • Appeal routes against certain notices: not specified on the cited page; the Act and council notices will state appeal procedures and time limits.
  • Time limits for appeals or compliance are set on individual notices and are not specified on the cited page.

Defences and council discretion

Councils typically allow defences such as having a reasonable excuse, ongoing repair plans, or possession of permits/approvals where applicable; specific defences and discretionary grounds are set out on notices and in legislation where relevant.

Common violations

  • Structural collapse or partial collapse — may prompt immediate works or closure.
  • Falling masonry or loose façade elements.
  • Unsafe temporary works or scaffolding.
  • Poorly maintained properties that pose a danger to passers-by.

Applications & Forms

Specific forms for reporting dangerous buildings or requesting Building Standards inspections are provided by Glasgow City Council. The Building (Scotland) Act does not publish a single national 'dangerous building' form on the cited legislation page; check the council pages in Resources for the local report form and any fees. Fees for council action or recovery of costs are set by the council and may be listed on the local Building Standards or service pages.

If the notice requires repair, act quickly and keep proof of work to avoid cost recovery by the council.

FAQ

Who inspects an unsafe building in Glasgow?
Glasgow City Council’s Building Standards team or authorised officers inspect and assess risk; Environmental Health may act where public health is affected.
Can the council force demolition?
Yes; the council can require demolition or carry out works and recover costs where a building is judged dangerous under the Building (Scotland) Act 2003.
Will I be charged if the council makes safe the building?
The council can recover expenses from the owner; specific charges or fees are not specified on the cited legislation page and will be shown on local council notices or pages.

How-To

Steps to report and follow up on an unsafe structure in Glasgow.

  1. Call emergency services if there is immediate danger to life or property and then contact Glasgow City Council emergency number.
  2. Submit a detailed report to Glasgow City Council Planning and Building Standards online or by email with photos and an exact address.
  3. Note any reference number, officer name and times of inspection for records.
  4. If you are the owner, provide evidence of any planned or ongoing remedial works and copies of contractor quotes or permits.
  5. Pay any lawful fees or comply with notices; if the council carries out works it may recover costs from the owner.
  6. If you disagree with a notice, follow the appeal or review procedure indicated on the notice promptly.
Report quickly and keep documentary evidence to support any appeal or recovery dispute.

Key Takeaways

  • Report hazards to Glasgow City Council promptly with clear evidence and location details.
  • The council can take immediate action and recover costs under the Building (Scotland) Act 2003.
  • Appeals and time limits are set out on individual notices; follow the stated procedure closely.

Help and Support / Resources

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