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Right to Repair Scheme
The Right to Repair is a scheme introduced by the Government to ensure that all Council landlords carry out certain small urgent repairs within a set time.
The repairs that are included in the scheme are called 'qualifying repairs'. If we do not carry out these repairs within the set time, you may have a legal right to compensation.
Examples of 'qualifying repairs' include the following:
- Total loss of electric power - One working day to complete
- A tap which cannot be turned - Three working days to complete
- A blocked sink, bath or basin - Three working days to complete
We should carry out these repairs within the times listed above.
But sometimes things go wrong. If our repairs contractor does not come to carry out the work contact the Repairs Hotline (01226 787878) and ask them to get the work done, or arrange for a second contractor to do the work.
If the second contractor does not do the repair on time, we will pay you £10 in compensation. For every extra day you wait, we will pay you a further £2. The most compensation we will pay is £50. If you owe us any money, for example rent arrears, we will take the amount you owe from your compensation.
To receive compensation, the repair must be a qualifying repair, as included in the Right to Repair scheme, and you must have given us a chance to get the work done. We will not pay compensation if you do not keep an appointment, or you do not allow the contractor or us into your home to carry out the repair.
Who is the service for?
All Barnsley Council tenants.
Helplines
Repairs Hotline is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week and can be contacted on 01226 787878.
Visit your local Barnsley Connects 01226 775555. Opening times are Monday to Friday 9am until 5pm.
Methods of payment available
If we need to pay you compensation, we will arrange to send you a cheque for the amount we owe you. If you owe us any money, for example rent arrears, we will take the amount you owe from your compensation.
How the customer can help
Report emergency and urgent repairs to us as soon as you discover them. Give as much detail as possible when you report the repair.
Leaflets
Download the following leaflets.
.Alternatively our leaflets are available from your local Barnsley Connects Office or by emailing us at CustomerServices@berneslaihomes.co.uk
Legislation
Your rights as a council tenant are covered by the following legislation:
- Housing Act 1985.
- Housing Act 1996.
Websites
The website of the Government's Department for Communities and Local Government contains more information about your rights as a council tenant, and details of the Right to Repair scheme.
Response times / next steps
We will complete repairs within our target times. We will tell you the target time when you report the repair.
Please contact us to tell us if you think you are entitled to compensation because we have not completed a repair on time.
We will tell you if you are eligible for compensation within 5 working days of your request.
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