Transcript: Repairs and improvements
One of the most important services that you pay for is our repairs service. In this chapter we will give you information on how you can report a repair, what to do in an emergency, improving your home, and any adaptations that we can make. We're responsible for most of the repairs to your home. However there are some repairs that you have to do, for example repairing any damage that you may have caused, replacing light bulbs, and buying keys that you have lost.
It's easy to tell us about something that needs to be repaired. You can do this by phone, online or at our office. To make sure we do this quickly, we'll need some details from you. We need to know where you live, your phone number, what needs to be repaired and when you can let us in.
The time it takes us to carry out repairs depends on how urgent it is. For example, if you have a burst pipe of course we will be there as soon as we can. However, a dripping tap is not going to be fixed as quickly. Also, some repairs may take longer if we have to order a part to finish the job. Some repairs are covered by law. This is called the Right to Repair. We'll tell you more about this when you contact us.
If you have a repair that is an emergency and the office is closed, you'll have to phone our out-of-hours service. The number can be found in your handbook and on our website. Please remember that this is an emergency repairs service only. We'll make your home safe and secure, but we might have to come back to finish the job. Sometimes we may have to come into your home in the case of an emergency, for example if there is a flood. We will try and contact you first, but if we can't we may have to get in without you being there.
By law we must service gas boilers once a year. You must let us in to do this. We may also need access to service other things, for example smoke detectors. This service is very important for your safety.
If we have to carry out any repairs that you're responsible for, you might be charged. Also, if you do not give us access to carry out important repairs you might also be asked to pay for any extra costs involved.
We want to keep your home in good condition. To do this, we may need to inspect or survey your home. During your tenancy we may want to do improvements from time to time. Before we do this, we'll let you know about the work and when it will be done. Sometimes you may be able to improve your home, but you must have our permission before you start. We'll tell you more about this if you have work you want to carry out.
We want you to be able to live in your home for a long time, and sometimes you may need to get your home adapted. Please let us know if you need more information on how to get adaptations made.