Social Landlord Service: Rechargeable repairs policy

10.Responsibilities of Leaseholders

1. 10.1.Most repairs to a leasehold property are the responsibility of the leaseholder and the council will not usually undertake this work. Where the repair has an  effect on the communal areas and the structure of the building this is the responsibility of the council.
2. 10.2.However, where a repair is required inside the home and:
   • the leaseholder is unwilling or unable to employ their own contractor, or
   • the repair is classed as an emergency
3. Leaseholders may be able to seek a repair through the Council Repair and Maintenance Service, the costs of the repair will be recharged. The leaseholder will be encouraged to make an advanced pre-payment of £150 plus VAT to cover the call-out and any initial works. On completion of the works leaseholders will receive a final invoice for payment within 28 days minus any pre-payment received.
4. 10.3.Where a leaseholder has an existing charge for a rechargeable repair that has not been paid, pre-payment from the leaseholder will be required before a  further non-emergency repair is carried out.
5. 10.4.Charging and collection will be carried out in accordance with this Policy, please note that an administrative fee will be charged in addition to the cost of the  repair to reflect the costs of arranging a repair for which the Council is not otherwise required to undertake.
6. 10.5.The need for emergency work to make safe a potentially dangerous situation will over-ride any requirement for leaseholder consultation. This would also apply to any health and safety works such as fire doors or any works that may compromise the safety of the block or its residents.