Social Landlord Service: Rechargeable repairs policy

3.Responsibilities of Tenants and Leaseholders

1. 3.1.The Repairs Policy (Repairs Policy) sets out what repairs tenants are responsible for. This includes:
   • minor repairs such as replacing bath and sink plugs, replacing light bulbs except sealed units, internal door handles, unblocking sinks as example
   • internal decoration within the home, this does not include shared areas such as landings or entrance halls
   • maintaining garden in accordance with the tenancy agreement, not including communal areas
   • deliberate or accidental damage by residents or visitors, such as broken glass or damaged doors. This does not include criminal damage that has been reported to the police and has a crime reference number
   • lost security entrance door keys and fobs which can only be purchased from the council
2. 3.2.In addition to the tenant responsibilities listed above there are repairs which would attract a recharge to the current or former tenant of the property. This list is not exhaustive:
   • willful damage - as example, replace smashed door or window, DIY which has damaged the structure of the property, it is highly recommended that tenants or leaseholders report to the police any vandalism, as all repair works without crime numbers are recharged
   • neglect - as example, repairs required because of the action or inaction of the tenant or leaseholder. Examples are rubbish removal, replacing missing keys (including window locks), clearing blocked sink, bath or WC (as example nappies and toilet fresheners) removal of fire doors, frozen or burst pipes.
   • misuse - as example, replace tiling, repair to walls and graffiti
   • accidental damage - as example, to fixture and fittings that require repair or replacement
   • tenant responsible repairs, locks changed and clearance of items following repossession, transfer or mutual exchange
   • where damage is being caused to other properties (rented, leasehold or private), due to unreported repairs in either rented or leasehold properties (as example, water leak causes damage to a lower floor property decoration and or electrics)
   • you could be fully charged for materials, where survey access has been gained by yourselves for replacement elements in your home as example kitchens, windows and doors and you then fail to allow access for these elements to be installed. These elements are made to measure for your home and cannot be fitted to other properties we own