Right to Repair
As a
Scottish Secure Tenant you have a right to repair, which means
that as your landlord we should carry out small urgent repairs in
your home within a certain period of time.
Repairs which come under the scheme are known as 'qualifying
repairs'. When you report a repair you will be told whether or not
it is a qualifying repair. In addition you will also be told the
maximum period in working days for the repair to be
completed.
If a qualifying repair is not started on time you have
the right to instruct an approved contractor to carry out the work
(a list of approved contractors is available in the Right to Repair
Tenants' Guide you can download from the right-hand side
of this page). In such cases you would also be entitled to
compensation from the Housing Service.
How long do you have to carry out the repair?
Repair times vary depending on the type of repair (see table
below). Sometimes there are circumstances beyond our control, or
beyond the control of our contractor which make it impossible to do
the repair within the maximum time. For example during severe
winter weather. In such circumstances we may need to make temporary
arrangements to extend the maximum time, but you will be kept
informed of this.
What happens if the work is not done in time?
If the qualifying repair isn't started within the time limit
set, you can instruct another contractor from our approved list to
carry out the repair. The contractor will then let us know. We will
pay you £10 compensation for the inconvenience caused by
this. If we have started the work, but it hasn't been completed
within the maximum timescale you will also be entitled to £15
compensation.
How long does the other contractor have to complete the
repair?
The same length of time as who we originally asked to do the
work. If they fail to carry out the repair within the set time
limit you will be entitled to a further £2 compensation per
working day until the repair has been completed, up to a maximum of
£50 compensation for any one repair.
What if there is no other contractor available?
Then you will need to wait for the repair to be carried out by
our usual workers, but you would still be entitled to the £10
compensation payment.
What happens if I am out when someone calls to carry out the
inspection/ repair?
The time for inspection/ repair will be agreed with you ahead of
time. If you are not available to allow our staff access to your
home your right to repair will be cancelled. You will then need to
re-report the repair and the timescales begin afresh.
Who pays for the repair?
We will. Even if you have instructed another contractor to carry
out the repair they will send the bill directly to us.
The only exception to this may be where the repair is necessary to
fix damage caused by you or a member of your household.
Timescales for qualifying repairs
Emergency (within 24 hours):
- total loss of electric power
- unsafe power or lighting sockets or electrical fitting
- total loss of water supply
- total or partial loss of gas supply
- blocked flue to open fire or boiler
- total or partial loss of space or water heating (1 Nov - 30
Apr)
- blocked or leaking foul drain, soil stack or toilet (where no
other working toilet)
- toilet not flushing (where no other working toilet)
- leaking from water or heating pipe, tank or cistern (temporary
repair if necessary)
Appointments (within 3 working days):
- partial loss of electric power
- partial loss of water supply
- total or partial loss of space and water heating (1 May - 31
Oct)
- blocked sink, bath or basin
- tap which cannot be turned
- loose or detached banister or handrail
- rotten timber or stair tread
Appointments (within 7 days):
- leaking roof (temporary repair if necessary)
- door entry phone not working
- extractor fan in kitchen or bathroom not working
