Your responsibilities
You must pay for the cost of any repairs we have to carry out because you neglected or caused damage to your home.
We also charge for our time, VAT and a 15% administration fee.
If we are called out and the work is no longer required, or we cannot access your property, we will still charge you for our call-out time.
We provide buildings insurance for all our properties. However, it is your responsibility to insure your home contents against loss, theft or damage.
We advise that you consider taking out home insurance. Average policies cost around £60 (prices correct March 2023) but could save you thousands if you have to replace some or all of your home contents.
You must provide all the furniture, carpets and curtains for your home.
If you’re just starting out, receive benefits or are on a low income, there are organisations that may be able to help you furnish your home. If you’d like more information, please get in touch. We’ll be happy to help.
You must replace and pay for any keys and locks which you lose or break. This includes door, window and garage keys and locks.
You are responsible for dealing with infestations of pests such as mice, rats, fleas and cockroaches in your home or garden.
If the infestation is serious you may need to pay for a professional pest control service.
Our responsibilities
It is our responsibility to provide you with a decent home.
In 2000, the government brought in the Decent Homes Standard. This places a duty on councils and housing associations to provide homes that:
- Are in reasonable repair
- Meet current legal housing standards
- Have reasonably modern facilities and services
To meet this standard, a decent home must also have at least four of the following:
- A kitchen that is no more than 20 years old
- A kitchen with adequate space and layout
- A bathroom that is no more than 30 years old
- A suitably located bathroom and toilet
- Adequate noise insulation
- Adequate space and layout in common areas of flats
- Efficient heating and effective insulation
In addition to our duty under the Decent Homes Standard, we aim to provide:
- A modern, watertight roof
- High-quality, secure front and back doors
- High-quality PVC double-glazed windows with secure locking handles
- A full heating system
- A modern fitted kitchen with vinyl flooring, tiling and an extractor fan
- A modern fitted bathroom with vinyl flooring, tiling and an extractor fan
- Loft insulation, cavity wall insulation and external insulation, with rendering as appropriate
- Modern wiring, including smoke detectors and electricity meters in an outdoor cabinet where possible
- Gardens that are cleared and tidy when let
- Good access to external doors, staircases and doorway handrails where needed and possible
- Footpaths and boundary fencing to front and rear gardens, with gates as required
- Off-street parking with paved access and a bin storage area where possible
For more information about our programme of repairs and maintenance, please see our Repairs Policy
