What you must do
You are expected to do certain tasks and repairs yourself or arrange (and possibly pay for) someone to do them for you. However, for certain individuals or households who are not able to cope with certain aspects of everyday living, we may be able to help. See What if I need some help?.
Inside the house:
- replacing glass unless the cause of the damage was outside your control
- keeping all air vents and window trickle vents clear
- replacing keys or locks when keys are broken, lost or when you get locked out (inc. garage lock)
- repairing and renewing internal doors including locks, handles etc
- replacing door knockers, bells or security chains
- renewing hat and coat hooks, curtain rails or battens, and shelves
- replacing cupboard handles and catches
- resetting trip switches or mending fuses. See Resetting a trip switch or Mending a mains fuse
- replacing fuses, light bulbs and fluorescent tubes
- testing and replacing smoke detectors including batteries
- clearing blockages in sinks and baths. See Clearing a blocked waste
- trying to clear blockages in toilets. See Clearing a blocked waste
- replacing plugs and chains
- descaling shower heads
- replacing individual tiles around basins or sinks
- replacing toilet seats and pull chains
- fitting wastes and supply pipework for washing machines and dishwashers (if not already provided) and vents for driers.
Outside the house:
- putting up TV aerials and satellite dishes (unless communal)
- maintaining the garden paths
- replacing clothes lines and rotary driers
- keeping gully grids clear
- repairing any fencing, steps, patios, or other garden features not originally provided by the Council
- getting any chimneys used for coal fires swept at least once a year in addition to the annual sweeping done by us.
Improvements you want to make.
You can carry out improvements to your home provided you ask for, and get, our permission in writing beforehand. You are responsible for repairs to the new items.
You must not carry out any electrical work in your home yourself. If you want additional sockets, switches or lights we can carry out this work for you for a reasonable charge.
Home contents insurance
You are strongly advised to take out home contents insurance. This will cover you against damage to your personal belongings, carpets, furniture and other household contents and decorations eg if you have a fire or flood. For example, if a pipe bursts, we will not normally be responsible for any damage to your belongings - only for repairing the burst pipe.
The insurance would also cover for certain items if they were stolen in a break-in.
We have negotiated a good value insurance scheme for our tenants. Contact your Housing Management Officer for more information.
