Social Landlord Service: Rechargeable repairs policy

8.Void properties

1. 8.1.The Tenancy Services Team will undertake a pre-void inspection before tenants leave their properties when the tenant serves notice to end their tenancy  (NTT). This inspection will identify any repairs that are required and advise tenants if any of these are rechargeable. This will also give the tenant the opportunity  to rectify the repair before leaving the property. In addition to repairs, the inspection provides an opportunity to remind tenants that they will be recharged if the property, garden, outbuildings or any garage are not left clear and tidy at the end of the tenancy. If any items are left, the cost of clearance will be recharged. In addition, if the garden is overgrown, the cost of garden works will be recharged. The tenant will receive within 5 days of the NTT visit email/written  confirmation of the works and costs to be recharged if not completed before they vacate the property. This will be fully itemized quote for required work. Tenants have right to reject this quote and have the works completed themselves to the council's required standards (please note that works deemed not to meet council standards will be put right and will still attract a recharge as quoted in part or full). Tenants have the right to disagree with the contents of the quote (within 5 days of receipt) and ask for an appeal of the costs as described at section 15.
2. 8.2.If the keys to a property are returned without notice or when the NTT is served by the tenant, a pre-void inspection will still be carried out and any  rechargeable repairs identified and notified to the tenant.
3. 8.3.At the end of the notice period, a full void inspection will be carried out. If any items identified at the pre-void inspection remain outstanding, the tenant will  be recharged. If any other repairs are identified for which the tenant was responsible (as these could not be identified when the property was occupied), they will be recharged.
4. 8.4.Where a tenancy is ended by legal action by the Council it is not possible to carry out a pre-void inspection and so any rechargeable repairs including  clearance costs will be identified when a void inspection is carried out. A recharge will be raised within 10 working days of the end of the tenancy.