Rechargeable Repairs

We are responsible for maintaining our properties and carrying out repairs in accordance with our Repairs and Maintenance Policy. In most cases, repairs caused by normal wear and tear will be carried out by the Association at no cost to the tenant. However, where damage, neglect, misuse or a failure to meet tenancy responsibilities has resulted in a repair being required, we may recharge the cost of the work to the tenant.

Examples of situations where charges may apply include:

• Repairs required as a result of damage, neglect, vandalism or misuse by a tenant, household member or visitor.
• Removal or reinstatement of unauthorised alterations or improvements.
• Missed appointments where access has been arranged for repairs, inspections or servicing and entry is not provided.
• Emergency call-outs that are later found not to be genuine emergencies.
• Emergency call-outs resulting from a loss of electricity caused by tenant-owned appliances or prepayment meters running out of credit.
• Costs incurred where we have had to force entry to a property to fulfil our legal obligations, such as carrying out a gas safety inspection, after reasonable opportunities for access have been provided.
• Removal and disposal of furniture, belongings or rubbish left behind when a tenancy ends.
• Repairs identified at the end of a tenancy that have arisen as a result of tenant damage, neglect or vandalism.
• Replacement of lost keys, fobs or controlled entry devices.
• Lock changes, forced entry or out-of-hours call-outs resulting from lost keys or lockouts.

Your Responsibilities

To help avoid rechargeable costs, we ask that you:

• Report repairs promptly and provide access when appointments are arranged.
• Take reasonable care of your home and avoid damage to the property.
• Seek permission before carrying out alterations or improvements.
• Ensure keys, fobs and entry devices are kept safe.
• Leave the property in a clean and satisfactory condition when your tenancy ends.

Where work is identified as being the tenant's responsibility, the Association may require the cost of the repair to be paid before the work is carried out, or an appropriate repayment arrangement may be agreed. If you are unsure whether a repair is your responsibility or ours, please contact us for advice before arranging work or reporting a repair.