What repairs we're responsible for
By law, the council has an obligation to look after the structure of your home. Repairs must be carried out to make sure that fixtures and fittings for water, sanitation, gas and electricity are safe and in working order. We must also maintain any equipment we've installed to provide hot water and heating, and communal facilities, such as lifts and door entry phones.
We're responsible for checking repairs needed in the communal areas, and rely on residents to report repairs inside their home.
We carry out regular estate inspections, but if you see anything that needs repairing, you can call the repairs helpdesk to report it. In seniors housing, tell your scheme manager about communal repairs and they will report them.
As your landlord, we're responsible for repairs to:
- aerials - communal, where installed by us
- central heating - gas boilers, storage heaters, radiators and hot water
- chimneys - such as brickwork and replacement pots
- cookers - in senior housing only
- external doors and locks - except lost or stolen keys, door numbers and battery operated door bells
- drains - blocked drains and gullies
- electricity - except where tenants have installed their own fittings, appliances, plugs, fuses, light bulbs and meters
- fire and smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors - including battery operated alarms
- flooring - concrete structure and floorboards, new kitchen and bathroom flooring
- garages - structure and garage doors only, not locks
- gutters - clearance and repairs to gutters and fascia boards
- immersion heaters - repair or replacement
- lifts - including stair lifts
- paths - leading to front or back doors but not patios
- pipes, water tanks and cylinders
- plumbing - including:
- replacement of toilets, sinks, baths, wash hand basins (including refixing brackets)
- taps running continuously, tap replacement and other tap repairs
- blocked toilet, bath, sink or wash hand basin
- toilet not flushing properly
- roofing - such as loose or damaged tiles, rain penetration and flashings
- stairs
- walls - rendering, brickwork, pointing and internal plastering
- windows - including:
- glazing (except wilful damage, which requires a crime reference number)
- misted or fogged windows
- secure window frame
- window not opening and closing
- repair or replace window catches, handles, hinges and locks
- new window frame sills
What repairs you're responsible for
You're expected to make sure that your home, garden and balcony are kept safe, clean, free from rubbish, and are not neglected.
Exceptions are made in individual cases for vulnerable tenants, including people over 70 years of age, people who are registered disabled, and seniors housing tenants.
If we're told that a repair is needed due to misuse or wilful damage, you may be recharged for it. This doesn’t include usual wear and tear.
You're responsible for repairs to:
- clothes lines and rotary driers - except in communal areas
- cookers - gas and electric, including connections (gas cookers must be installed by a Gas Safe qualified engineer)
- internal decoration, including the inside of your front door - we don't redecorate after we have carried out repair work, although we do make good and prepare surfaces ready for your decoration
- internal doors - except door frames
- fencing - unless communal or a health & safety issue
- floor coverings - unless in a kitchen or bathroom fitted by us
- home contents insurance
- keys - including garage keys and window keys
- utilities - you need to contact the supplier directly for:
- gas and electricity meters (including key and card types)
- water meters
- cable television / internet
Your responsibilities as a council tenant
We expect you to:
- be at home for your appointment
- make sure there is clear access to the repair area
- treat staff with respect
- give feedback and reporting any areas where we might have fallen short, as this helps us deliver a high level of customer service
Contents insurance
We strongly advise all tenants and leaseholders to take out household content insurance.
Many council tenants and leaseholders believe that we automatically insure their furniture, belongings and decorations against theft, fire, vandalism or burst pipes. This is not the case. Unfortunately, many people only realise this after the damage has been done.
We recommend Crystal Insurance, provided by Thistle Insurance services, insured by Allianz Insurance PLC. They offer a good choice of cover with very competitive premium rates. You can of course choose to make your own arrangements through any other insurer.
You can contact Crystal with any questions by phoning 0845 601 7007 (or 01628 586 187 from a mobile). If you need help filling in the form they can complete the application process over the phone with you.
To apply you can visit the Crystal insurance website, or pick up a form from our housing office receptions. New tenant packs include a copy of this form.
If you would like a Policy Document, you need to request one from Crystal Insurance.
Fencing
It is usually your responsibility to both maintain and replace fencing around your home, unless it is communal.
If you are unsure whether you are responsible or not, contact the Housing Customer Services Team for advice.
Internal decorating
Internal decorating is your responsibility. We don't redecorate even after we have carried out repair work to your home. However, we do make good and prepare surfaces ready for you to decorate.
There is an internal decorating and gardening discretionary scheme which tenants in receipt of disability allowance or over 70 years may apply for.
Read more about our internal decorating discretionary scheme.
Read more about our gardening discretionary scheme.
Lost keys and fobs
It is your responsibility to replace any lost or stolen keys. If you have lost a key or fob to a main entrance door, please contact us to purchase a replacement. We'll need identification before we can issue any replacements.
If you become locked out of your home, you're responsible for regaining entry. Exceptions are made in some cases for vulnerable tenants - please contact the repairs helpdesk for advice.
If you would like additional copies of a main entrance door key, you need written consent from us, which you then need to take to either of our approved locksmiths:
- Dockerills Ltd, 3 Church Street, Brighton
- Thomas Locksmiths Ltd, 97 Portland Rd, Hove