Housing repairs - council property
We are responsible for keeping the outside of your home and it's basic structure in good repair. We are also responsible for maintaining installations (such as central heating, water heating and the supply of gas, electricity and water) in good working order.
You are responsible for all internal decorations and keeping your home, yard or garden clean and well maintained. You are also responsible for repairing or replacing or meeting the cost of replacement of any items which are damaged by you, your friends, relatives, or someone else living with or visiting you.
Unless you are elderly, disabled or otherwise vulnerable, you are responsible for repairing or replacing:
- inside door handles
- tiling in kitchens, bathrooms and on fireplaces
- toilet chains, toilet seats, plugs for sinks, basins and baths
- blocked inlets to drains (gulleys)
- catches and hinges on cupboards
- front door furniture (number, letterbox, chain, etc.)
- fine cracks in plaster work
- ash pans for open fires
- insulation or draught proofing
Repairs Categories
Any repairs that we are responsible for are prioritised, depending upon the category they fall into:
Emergency Repair (24 hours) - includes:
- total loss of electricity supply / water supply
- total or partial loss of gas supply
- unsafe power or electrical fittings
- leak from water or heating pipes or tank
- total or partial loss of heating (November to April)
Emergency Repair (3 days) - includes:
- partial loss of electricity supply
- blocked sink, basin, bath
- broken or rotten timber flooring or stair tread
- partial loss of heating (May to October)
- loose or broken banister or handrail
Routine Repairs (20 days) - includes:
- leaking roof
- door entry phone not working
- defective ball valve
- kitchen units
- doors
- rainwater gutters and pipes
- tap washers
Reporting Repairs
Any repairs we are responsible for should be reported to us immediately. Remember to arrange reasonable access so that our repair teams can get the work done.
What if my repair takes longer?
Firstly give us a ring, so we can check what has happened. We will probably be able to tell you what the problem is and if necessary give you a new date to get the work done. If this does not sort things out, you can complain in writing to your local housing office by giving all the details of when the repair was first reported and what has happened since.
The right to repair
If we fail to get the work done, and if it falls within certain categories and costs, you have the right to do the repair yourself and claim back the cost from us, provided you get permission from us first. This is known as the right to repair and only applies if:
- We have failed to carry out the work
- The repair comes within certain categories of work
- The cost is within certain limits
- You get permission first (contact your local housing office for more details)