What we repair
We repair and maintain the structure and outside parts of the property you live in. Inside your home we are responsible for water and gas pipes, wiring, heating systems, drainage, power and light fittings and any items originally provided by us but not items that are your responsibility.
As a tenant having entered into a contract with us, you also have certain repairing responsibilities. These are normally minor items that do not require a great deal of skill to complete and would be easily be completed by any DIY person. You are responsible for the following:
- replacing any bulb, lamp or tube and starter units to fluorescent lights
- keeping gully grids clear of leaves and rubbish
- clearing blockages to basins, sinks, baths, and toilets
- gaining entry if you are locked out and replacing door locks or keys when your keys are lost or broken
- replacing broken glass in door and windows
- regularly testing smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors fitted by us
- resetting trip switches
- getting chimneys swept if used for wood or coal fires
- replacing toilet seats
- replacing TV aerials and sockets, unless communal
For a more detailed list, please refer to your Repairs Handbook.
If you ask us carry out any of the repairs identified above we reserve the right to recharge you the full cost of the repair including any administration costs incurred. You can also request for any minor DIY works to be carried out under our Handy Person Scheme.
Under your Tenancy Agreement, clauses 3.1 and 3.8, if anyone in your home causes damage on purpose, you will be responsible for getting it repaired. You will have to arrange to get the damage fixed yourself or pay us to do it for you.
If damage to your home is due to criminal behaviour, we will carry out basic work to make your home safe. We will only carry out further work if you supply us with a Police Incident Number. If we later establish that you caused the damage, we will charge you for the work.
For more details, please see our Recharges Policy or visit our Rechargeable Repairs page.
You are responsible for pest control (rodents, hornets, fleas, bedbugs and cockroaches) at your Property. You may be eligible for financial assistance to pay for pest control. We can provide a service for treatment of pest control for a charge. Please speak with the Housing Service for further advice.
Ladybirds, ants and flies
We do not provide a service for the removal of ladybirds, ants and flies. There is lots of information online about how to prevent or treat infestations, or you can contact a pest control company.
Dust mites or silverfish
We do not provide a service for the removal of dust mites or silverfish; however, both can be an indicator of a damp or condensation problems. Please get in touch if you have noticed any signs of dampness or condensation.
Bees
We do not provide a service for the removal of bees. They are not considered a pest and should not be killed or ‘treated’. Bees are an important part of the eco system. If you have problems associated with bees. Please check your telephone directory or alternatively, check the following links for contact information and details of local beekeepers in your area. Many beekeepers will collect bees swarms free of charge.
Wasps
We do not provide a service for the removal of wasps inside or outside individual homes. There is lots of information online about how to prevent or treat infestations, or you can contact a pest control company. If you are concerned about any holes in the walls, around windows, or roofing, which may allow wasps into your home, please let us know and we can repair these.
We may arrange for removal of wasps nests if attached to a communal part of a block of flats, or a high traffic communal or public area. Although considered a pest in homes, the outdoors is their natural habitat and we would not destroy a nest.
Rodents
Small rodents are common outdoors, especially in rural areas, near water courses or where there are lots of food sources. This is quite normal, and most pest controllers will not ‘treat’ or exterminate rodents living in their natural outdoor environments.
To prevent rodents from entering your home and becoming a problem, it is important to:
- Let us know if there are any holes in your external walls, doors or around windows.
- Seal any food sources - Keeping your dry food items (e.g. pasta, sugar, and flour) in plastic or paper bags is just inviting mice inside to enjoy their buffet! Store your dry foods in sealed plastic, metal, or glass containers and, if possible, you should keep the containers on a shelf so they are off the floor. The same also applies to any pet food that you might have! You should keep dry food in bins and any wet food should be kept in storage containers.
- Keep the garden and home clean and tidy
- Keeping gardens well manicured, especially close to the home. Mice can use hedges and plants around your home as somewhere to shelter and nest. You should try to keep your lawn nicely manicured to stop them from hiding there. If you have plants like ivy or wisteria growing up the side of the house, mice will be able to climb it and use it to get onto your roof and into your attic.
- Avoid the use of bird feeders which spill seed onto the floor.
- Avoid leaving rubbish, especially food waste where pests can access it.
If you do have rodents inside your home, please call us as soon as possible