Repairs and maintenance policy

This policy sets out how Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council maintains its housing properties in a safe and good condition. It applies to:

• All council owned homes and their communal areas.
• All leasehold properties within council owned blocks where the structure, exterior, and shared areas are the Council’s responsibility.
• All types of repairs, maintenance, and improvement works delivered by the Council.
• The respective responsibilities of the Council, tenants, and leaseholders in relation to repairs and maintenance.

Effective Date:  

March 2025 

Review Date:   

March 2028 (or sooner if there are changes to guidance and legislation) 

Author:     

Service Manager – Housing Repairs and Building Safety 

Policy Owned by:     

Executive Director (Resident Services & Climate Change) 

Statute:   

Social Housing Regulations 2024
Landlord & Tenant Act 1985
Housing Health & Safety Rating
Decent Homes Standard
Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act
Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018
Defective Premises Act 1972

National Standards and Guidance

Safety and Quality Standard

Transparency, Influence and Accountability Standard

Neighbourhood and Community Standard

Tenancy Standard

Better Social Housing Review (BSHR) – Sector-wide Best Practice

Rethinking Repairs & Maintenance – NHMF/CIH Best Practice
(2024)

Housing Ombudsman Guidance and Spotlight Reports

Related Policies  

Complaints Policy 
Unreasonably Persistent and Abusive Behaviour Policy 
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 
Aids and Adaptations Policy   
Damp and Mould Policy
Tenancy Policy
Decant Policy  
ASB Policy
Community Engagement Strategy
Resident Involvement Strategy