Social Landlord Service: Rechargeable repairs policy

1. Introduction

1. 1.1. Great Yarmouth Borough Council (the Council) recognises the importance of operating an effective repairs service. We are committed to ensuring our properties  and neighbourhoods are maintained to a high standard and we carry out any repairs for which we are responsible as a landlord. The Repairs Policy provides details of repairs which we are responsible for and the timescale for completion as well as repairs which are the tenant's responsibility.
2. This policy covers property in the:
   • Council housing property portfolio
   • Leasehold property portfolio
   • Equinox property portfolio
   • Temporary accommodation property portfolio
3. This policy covers all tenants and leaseholders in the above portfolios unless stated otherwise, including communal areas, garages, and outbuildings.
4. 1.2. This policy sets out the approach to repairs for which the tenant and leaseholder is responsible to ensure there is a fair, transparent and consistent approach to when the tenant or leaseholder will be required to pay for repair works. By ensuring that we do not carry out repairs for which the Council is not responsible, the money saved can be used for wider investments in Council homes as well as the delivery of new homes.
5. 1.3.This policy formalises the approach to repairs set out in the Tenancy Agreement, Tenants Handbook and Repairs Policy and Tenants and Leasehold Alteration Policy and Leasehold agreements. It provides guidance on recharging the cost of repairs undertaken by Great Yarmouth Borough Council either directly or through our appointed contractors.
6. 1.4.The cost of a repair will be recharged where the need for a repair is a result of:
   • damage caused either intentionally or accidentally
   • damage caused by neglect (such as failing to report a repair in a timely way)
   • where that damage is caused by the tenant, a member of their household (including any pets) or a visitor to the property
7. In some cases, the tenant may carry out the repair themselves in accordance with the Tenants and Leaseholders Alterations Policy. Any repairs carried out by the tenant or leaseholder must be to the same standard of the Council. A tenant cannot undertake repairs to the electrics of the property, gas or oil pipes or boilers and associated pipework. Permission for a tenant or leaseholder to carry out a repair must be provided in writing by the Council before the works can be carried out (see Tenants Alterations and Improvements Policy).
8. 1.5.The Policy is can also be used for repairs or improvements that tenants and leaseholders wish to have completed to their homes. The Council will effectively manage and complete repair or improvement for the tenant or Leaseholder in line with this policy and the Tenant Alterations and Improvement Policy.
9. Types of work could be decorating a room, providing additional tiling etc. All works completed will be signed off by an officer with the tenant or leaseholders consent before a recharge is raised. Any disputes over cost or workmanship will be dealt with under the appeals process as stated at clause 15.
10. 1.6.When tenants and leaseholder report a repair which is rechargeable, a fixed cost quote for the works including an administration fee to cover staff time will be provided and the tenant or leaseholder will be asked to give consent before the order is raised, this creates an order number which will be used in all correspondence.
11. If the works on site match the reported repair the operative completing the repair will confirm this, works that are more substantive than the reported repair will attract an additional cost which the tenant/leaseholder will be given a full breakdown of.
12. It should be noted that where a rechargeable repair is required that effects resident and or building safety it may not be possible to estimate the cost of the repair at ordering stage but the tenant or leaseholder will be advised on the cost within 24hrs. Appeals over costs are still permitted as described at clause 14. The types of repairs such emergency works relate to could be to fire doors or significant leaks as example.
13. 1.7.A rechargeable repair can be identified when the tenant or leaseholder reports a repair or when a Council officer identifies a repair is needed. When a tenant provides notice to leave their home, an inspection will identify any repairs for which the tenant is responsible for. Should these repairs remain when the keys are  returned to the Council, the costs of these repairs will be recharged. When a void inspection is carried out if any extra repairs are identified which are the responsibility of the tenant, including works to clear a property or the garden, these costs will also be recharged.