Social Landlord Service: Rechargeable repairs policy

The collection of these charges is managed through the HRA Income Policy.

1. 12. Charges

   1. 12.1.All rechargeable repair costs will be based on the cost of the council completing the repair or carrying out clearance or gardening works. For repair works,  the council will use standard cost rates which will be reviewed each year.
   2. Staff time on costs for administration will be added at 10% of the net repair cost for works under £250 and 8% for works costs above £250. VAT will also be charged on top of the total cost.
   3. Appendix A gives a summary of current recharge costs.
   4. 12.2.The cost of a rechargeable repair will be a minimum of £45 plus on cost and VAT, this covers the cost of the call-out and any initial works. Where a completed repair costs are greater than £49.50 plus VAT the actual cost of the repair will be charged.
   5. 12.3.Tenants will be encouraged to make an advanced pre-payment of £49.50 plus VAT to cover the call-out and initial works. Tenants who are unable to make the pre-payment will be billed for the cost of works on completion.
   6. 12.4.Where a tenant has an existing charge for a rechargeable repair that has not been paid, pre-payment from the tenant will be required before a  non-emergency repair is carried out.
   7. 12.5.In actioning recharges for repairs, the Council will:
      • provide a variety of payment options, reviewing these methods regularly to ensure value for money, accessibility and customer satisfaction
      • take into consideration a customer's ability to pay and agree an affordable repayment plan for the cost of the repair
      • confirm any payment arrangements in writing
      • ensure tenants or leaseholders can discuss their debts in a confidential setting
      • seek to recover all debts owed and be committed to using legal action, but only as a last resort and when reasonable alternative measures have been exhausted
   8. 12.6.All rechargeable works costs will be recharged to the tenant or leaseholder within 30 days of completion of the work.