Rechargeable Repairs

The Housing Association as the landlord is responsible for ensuring its properties are kept in a well-maintained condition. Where repairs are necessary the Housing Association will carry these out in line with its stated Repairs and Maintenance Policy and Procedures.

However in cases where the repair is a result of neglect or misuse by the tenant or a member of the tenant’s household then the responsibility for these repairs must lie with the tenant.

The following are examples of repairs and maintenance tasks, which are recoverable:

The cost of re-instatement of unauthorised alteration.
Where tenant makes a specific arrangement for access for urgent and routine repairs and access is not given, the tenant will be charged for the cost of the call out.
Where tenants call out emergency services and fail to be at home when the tradesmen arrive, the tenant will be charged for the cost of the call out.
Where out of hour calls are made for non-emergency repairs. (Call out charge only will be charged in this instance). This includes emergency call outs when a Quantum Meter has run out of credit, or where the tenant’s electrical appliances have caused the system to trip.
Where the Housing Association has to force entry to carry out statutory repairs e.g. gas safety inspection. This would only occur where the tenant had been offered reasonable opportunities to allow access and had refused.
Where a vacating tenant leaves items of furniture etc in the property and removal has to be arranged by the housing association.
Where a vacating tenant leaves a property and repairs have been identified at the void stage as been caused by neglect and/or vandalism.
In all other cases where the Housing Association carries out work which is the responsibility of the resident the estimated cost of the repair must be paid in full before work instructed or if they are unable to pay the full balance 50% of the estimated cost should be paid in advance and a repayment arrangement should be signed for the balance prior to work being ordered.
Where the tenant has lost keys. The tenant will be responsible for the cost of making good any damage caused gaining entry to the property, and the replacement lock/keys as appropriate.
Where the tenant has lost keys. The tenant will be responsible for the cost of making good any damage caused gaining entry to the property, and the replacement lock/keys as appropriate.
Should the tenant require a lock change and/or forced entry after hours as a consequence of losing keys, they shall be re-charged for the full cost of call out and works required.
Lost controlled entry keys. The tenant must pay for replacement keys.

The Rechargable Repairs Policy can be found here.