This service covers individual repairs carried out in response from tenants, estate managers, caretakers or wardens. We aim to deal with problems as they occur during office hours, however we will also deal with emergencies at any time outside normal office hours.
Repairs that are the Council's Responsibility
The Council are responsible for repairs to the structure and fabric of the home which covers things like:-
roofs, floors, gutters
walls, ceilings, external pipes
doors, plasterwork, access paths
window frames, drains, access steps
the services in the home which covers:
installations for the supply of water, gas and electric (but not meters)
installations for sanitation such as baths, sinks and basins
installations for space heating and water heating that the Council have installed or have agreed to repair and maintain.
Communal areas of the property which covers such things as:
stairs, landings, shared gardens
lighting, entrance hall, parking areas
lifts, paving, door entry systems
communal TV aerials
You must take reasonable care of your home and you must report defects or problems to the Council as early as possible.
Repairs that are the Tenants' Responsibility
Tenants are responsible for the following:-
Minor repairs
replacing bath and sink plugs, unblocking sinks replacing light bulbs
internal door handles, sweeping chimneys, cleaning windows
renewing electrical fuses, renewing tap washers.
Internal decoration
Tenants are responsible for internal decoration. Decoration can be to your own taste, but should be in a clean and tidy condition. Artex or similar finishes must not be used on walls.
Redecoration of communal areas in flats is the Council's responsibility.
There are certain circumstances where we can charge tenants for repairs:
any damage caused through misuse, abuse or negligence by either the tenant(s), other
occupants or visitors to the home.
damage caused by neglect
damage caused by failing to report a repair which is the Council's responsibility
any repair which is the tenants' responsibility and you request the repairs service to carry out the work
abortive callouts
If a repair is your responsibility or has been caused by you we can refuse to do the work unless you agree to a recharge being made. We will invoice you for these repairs.
The right to repair scheme was introduced on 1 April 1994. It ensures that small urgent repairs which might affect health, safety or security are done quickly and easily. If the Council do not carry out such a repair in the time allowed by law, you can ask them to get a second contractor to do the job. The Council have a full list of qualifying repairs included in the scheme. Ask at your housing office for more information. If a second contractor fails to do the repair in the time the Council will pay you compensation up to a maximum of £50.