Recharging tenants for repairs | Berneslai Homes

Article: Recharging tenants for repairs

Will I be charged for any repairs?

There are some repairs that you must pay for:

• If you, a member of your family or a visitor have caused damage that results in us having to do a repair or replacement.
• If you leave the property in a bad condition when you move out.

If we find that any repairs are needed because of your actions, we think it is only fair to charge you.

If the damage is caused by criminal activity (by another person but not a visitor or member of your household), we will not charge you for the cost of these repairs, however all reports of criminal damage will be investigated and false reporting may lead to prosecution and may affect your tenancy agreement.

Will I be charged for any repairs?

Most repairs that we carry out are needed because of fair wear and tear. Part of the rent that you pay goes towards making these repairs. However, sometimes you would have to pay extra towards the cost of the repairs,
for example:

• if you, a member of your family, or a visitor have caused damage that means we have to do a repair
  or replace an item; or
• if you leave the property in a bad condition when you move out.

If we find that we need to make repairs because of damage you have caused, we think it is only fair to charge you.

If the damage is caused by criminal activity (by someone who isn’t a visitor or member of your household), we will not charge you for the cost of these repairs. We will work with the police to investigate all reports of criminal damage, and if we find you have given false information about damage you are responsible for, we could take legal action against you
or even end your tenancy.

How much will it cost?

If we decide that you should be charged for a repair, we will tell you when you report the repair. We will also
tell you how much the repair will cost.

How do I pay?

We will send you a bill for the cost of the repair. Please contact your local Barnsley Connects office on 01226 775555 about the various ways you can pay.

How do I report a repair?

Our Repairs Hotline is our contact centre for customers who want to report a repair or have an enquiry about a repair.  They can be contacted by phoning (01226) 787878.

For further information on reporting repairs please use the link to Reporting Repairs.

Opening times

The Repairs Hotline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Barnsley Connects Offices are open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

Legislation

Your rights as a council tenant are covered by the following legislation:

• Housing Act 1985
• Housing Act 1996

Related links

• Tenancy Agreement
• Your Tenancy
• Housing Repairs  - A guide for tenants
• Department for Communities and Local Government