Repairs you must pay for

What is deliberate damage

We must to do certain repairs by law - on the structure of your home, on gas, electricity, plumbing, heating installations and so on. These repairs are free.

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Most people take a real pride in their homes, but there are a few who damage things deliberately or thoughtlessly. We don't want decent tenants to pick up the bill for putting this right, so people who cause damage deliberately or by neglect have to pay for the repair. We call these jobs rechargeable repairs.

How did it happen?

We will not ask you to pay for a repair if:

  • the damage has been caused by fair wear and tear or because of the age of the property or installation; or
  • the damage has been caused by a crime like burglary - but the crime must have been reported to the police, and you must give us a police report number; or
  • the damage happened because you were a victim of anti-social behaviour; or
  • we had given you priority for a move to a new home because you were living in fear of violence or harassment; or
  • the damage was caused by someone inflicting domestic violence.

If there is a doubt about how the damage happened we will come and check the problem before we make a decision. We will also decide whether to take action because the tenant has broken the tenancy agreement.

What sort of repairs?

Here are some typical jobs that we would check to see if the damage was caused deliberately or by neglect. We may charge for other repairs if necessary:

  • broken door or door frame
  • lost keys replacement lock
  • damage caused by forced entry after lost keys
  • new window glass, broken window frame
  • broken kitchen unit, toilet, bath or basin
  • broken electrical fittings