Repairs and maintenance policy

Any garage, shed, porch or outbuilding we have provided which is situated within the boundary of the property, as long as it is economic to do so. We reserve the right to remove these structures when, in our view, they are beyond economic repair.

All shared areas and items that are our responsibility. This includes such things as communal entrance doors, roofs, guttering, staircases and lifts.

All shared services, such as lighting in the corridors and door entry systems.

Decoration of the outside of our properties, as well as any internal shared areas, as often as is necessary to keep them in good condition.

Right to Buy properties

In relation to leasehold properties which have been purchased under the Right to Buy, the Council’s responsibilities are detailed in each individual lease. The council will recharge leaseholders a share of costs of maintaining properties. These include:

• foundations, drains, gutters and pipes on the outside of the property;
• roofs and chimney stacks;
• external fixtures, fittings and equipment;
• external walls and balconies;
• shared grounds, gardens and paths;
• shared services and facilities, such as door entry systems

Tenant responsibilities

Keeping their property and any fixtures and fittings provided by the Council in good repair and condition.

Telling the Council about any repairs that are needed or any damage to their homes as soon as possible.

Telling the Council about any faults that could cause injury or damage to other people or property.

Repairing, renewing or replacing a number of items in the property. Examples include but are not limited to:

• filling minor cracks in internal plasterwork including preparatory work for redecoration.
• replacing lost or broken keys.
• replacing fuses.
• changing light bulbs.
• replacing toilet seats.
• replacing plugs and chains to sanitary ware.
• replacing clothes lines in individual gardens.

Maintaining and repairing any damage caused by the tenant to their own fixtures and fittings and for any repairs needed to their own belongings.

Decorating the inside of the property as often as is necessary to keep it in good condition.

Taking all reasonable steps to heat and ventilate the property using any suitable means provided to prevent condensation and follow any reasonable advice given.

Sweeping any chimney as often as necessary to keep it in good working order. This should be at least once a year if an open fire is used.

Taking all reasonable precautions to prevent frozen and burst pipes in the property.

Installing, repairing and maintaining their own equipment, such as cookers and washing machines, and making sure that these are installed, repaired and serviced by suitably qualified and competent people.

Arranging and paying for the supply of supply of gas, electricity and water to the property. Taking adequate precautions to prevent fire in the property.

Keeping all gullies, entrances to drains, external airbricks and vents clear and free from obstruction.

Not doing anything that causes a blockage to the drains, pipes, gutters or channels in or about the property. Examples include pouring oil or fat down the drains or flushing inappropriate items, such as facial wipes, nappies and sanitary pads, in the toilet.

Using any gas burning appliances or equipment provided in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, which includes making sure any flues or ventilation are not blocked.

Safe keeping of door keys and fobs, window locks and the provision of additional locks.

Moving furniture and any floor coverings supplied and fitted by the tenant where access is needed for repair, maintenance or improvement works.

Leaseholder’s responsibilities

Leaseholders will normally own and be responsible for everything within the walls of their property, with the exception of pipes and drains that also serve other properties. This means that leaseholders will be responsible for maintaining and repairing:

• individual heating systems and appliances;
• internal doors;
• sanitary fittings, such as toilets, baths and basins;
• plumbing and pipework within the property;
• internal fixtures and fittings;
• internal decoration;
• floor coverings; and floorboards
• non-structural walls;
• ceilings;
• replacing fuses, bulbs and plugs;
• chimney sweeping;
• arranging access if they lock themselves out of the property;
• any damage they cause or is caused by someone else who lives in or visits the property;
• any damage caused by their own fixtures and fittings; and
• any damage to their belongings.
• Flat entrance door
• Carpentry inside their flat
• Electrics inside their flat
• Glass within their windows

Individual lease agreements normally give us the right to enter property to inspect its condition and, except in an emergency, we will give 14 days’ notice of this. If repairs are needed that are the leaseholders responsibility, we will ask them to complete them within a set time. If not, we have the right to carry out the necessary works and the leaseholder will then be charged for the cost of us doing this.

Where repair or maintenance work is carried out to building components or services that the Council are responsible for, leaseholders will be required to contribute towards the cost of the works carried out as part of their service charges, subject to the consultation requirements set out on the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002 being complied with.