Repairs and Improvements
Our Responsibilities
We are responsible for:
· keeping the structure of your home in good repair;
· keeping in proper working order all of our installations for the supply of water, gas, electricity, sanitation and waste pipes;
· keeping in proper working order our installations for room heating and hot water;
· keeping in proper working order all our fixtures and fittings;
· keeping the shared areas of your neighbourhood, including play areas, clean and well maintained.
Your Rights
The Right of Repair
You have the right for repairs to be carried out as quickly as possible.
To find out how to report a repair please click on the link below
When you report the repair work we will give you a notice telling you what work we will carry out, who will carry out the work and when the work will be completed.
Depending on the type of repair work required you may qualify for compensation should we fail to carry out the work. For information about the right to repair please use the link below.
If we fail to carry out our responsibilities of repair under this Agreement then you may be able to take legal action against us. You should consult a Solicitor, a Law Centre or the Citizens’ Advice Bureau.
The Right to make improvements.
Secure Tenants have the right to carry out alterations and make improvements to their home at their own expense. For Introductory Tenants this right is at the discretion of the Director of Housing and Health. You must get our permission before any work is carried out. We will not refuse permission without a good reason. You will be responsible for the ongoing maintenance of any improvements you make.
The Right to Compensation for Improvements.
At the end of a Secure Tenancy you have the right to apply to us for compensation for certain improvements you have made to your home, which were started on or after 1 April 1994. Introductory Tenants may also be eligible for compensation at the discretion of the Director of Housing and Health. If you are buying your home, you will not get compensation, as these improvements are not included in the purchase price. You should ask at Housing Services if you would like more details about this.
Your Responsibilities
You are responsible for keeping the inside of your home in good condition. This includes the fixtures and fittings and internal decoration. You will be responsible for any windows that you break or damage. If we discover any unauthorised alterations, you must remove them before the end of the tenancy and repair any damage caused by their removal. If we have to carry out this work we may charge you the cost of the work.
Your home must be handed back to us in as good condition as it was at the start of the tenancy, allowing for general wear and tear of the property.
You must report to us any damage to your home as soon as possible. You must also report any faults that could cause injury or damage to either people or property. Damage should be reported to Housing Services.
You must allow our employees or agents into your home to inspect it and carry out necessary repairs or improvements to your home or nearby properties. We will normally give you at least 24 hours notice in writing of our need to enter your home. If you do not allow us into your home then you may be putting yourself and your neighbours at risk. In certain circumstances we may apply to the court for an order that you let us in.
Do not let anyone in your home without seeing official identification – all our staff and contractors carry official identity cards.
You must repair, at your own expense, any damage caused to your property, fixtures or fittings by any member of your household, visitor or pet. You are responsible for any damage caused by you, anyone living with or visiting you. This damage could include acts of vandalism by you, members of your household or your visitors e.g. smashing windows. If we have to carry out this work we may charge you the cost of the work.
You must have our permission before you carry out any additions, alterations, replacements or improvements to your home. This does not cover standard interior decorating. Any work that requires our permission must meet our specifications, meet the building regulations and have received the necessary planning permission.
You must get our permission to paint the outside of your home.
If you live in a flat, you must get our permission to put up any type of aerial or satellite dish.
You must repair and pay for any damage to your home that is caused by your own fixtures and fittings. If we have to repair the damage we may charge you the cost of the work.