The Housing Repairs Service is responsible for replacing or repairing items that were part of the premises when a tenancy started if they are damaged through normal wear and tear. The work is done at no extra cost to the tenant living in the property.

If the previous tenant has changed the property in any way, the new tenant will be asked to take on responsibility for maintaining the alterations or additional items.

If items listed under tenants' responsibilities are damaged as the result of a repair by one of our workers they will be repaired by Housing Repairs Services at no cost to the tenant.

The Housing Repairs Service is responsible for the main structure of our properties, and will repair major items such as:

• Foundations
• External walls, doors and doorframes
• Window frames
• Roofs, gutters, rainwater pipes and drainage
• Water services
• Electrical and gas services. (Not supply and meters)
• Central heating and hot water systems
• Communal areas (such as lifts and stairs) in multi-occupied buildings

The Housing Repairs Service will inspect the communal areas of blocks of maisonettes and flats every five years, and will decorate them when necessary.

As the Tenant you are responsible for keeping the inside of your home in good condition. This includes the fixtures and fittings and internal decoration. You will be responsible for any windows that you break or damage. If we discover any unauthorized alterations, you must remove them before the end of the tenancy and repair any damage caused by their removal. If we have to carry out this work we may charge you for the cost of this work.

• Your home must be handed back to us in as good condition as it was at the start of the tenancy, allowing for general wear and tear of the property.
• You must report to us any damage to your home as soon as possible. You must also report any faults that could cause injury or damage to either people or property.
• You must allow our employees or agents into your home to inspect it and carry out necessary repairs or improvements to your home or neighbouring properties.
• We will normally give you at least 24 hours notice in writing of our need to enter your home to carry out repairs unless it is classed as an emergency repair which we will carry out within 24 hours. If you do not allow us into your home then you may be putting yourself and your neighbours at risk. In certain circumstances we may apply to the court for an order that you let us in.
• Do not let anyone into your home without seeing official identification – All our staff and sub-contractors carry official identity cards.
• You must repair, at your own expense, any damage caused to the property, fixtures or fittings by any member of your household, visitor or pet. You are responsible for any damage caused by you, anyone living with or visiting you. This damage could include acts of vandalism by you, members of your household or visitors e.g. smashing windows. If we have to carry out this work we may charge you for the cost of the work.
• You must repair and pay for any damage to your home that is caused by your own fixtures and fittings. If we have to repair the damage we may charge you for the cost of the work.
• You must have our permission before you carry out any additions, alterations, replacements or improvements to your home. This does not include standard interior decorating. Any work that requires our permission must meet our specifications and meet the current building Control Regulations, Planning Restrictions, current gas and IEE electrical regulations and have received the necessary planning permission.
• You must get our permission to paint the outside of your home.
• If you live in a flat, you must get our permission to put up any type of aerial or satellite dish.

Charnwood Neighbourhood Housing is not responsible for:

• Damage not due to normal wear and tear.
• Lost keys
• Glazing
• The repair or replacement of anything that has been installed or fitted in the property by the current tenant without the written consent of the Director of Investment and Regeneration Services.
• The repair or replacement of anything installed or fitted by a previous tenant if you exchanged into that property.
• Making good any internal decoration affected by improvement or repair work, unless agreed with the Director of Investment and Regeneration in writing, in advance.