The ‘Right to Repair’ scheme applies to family housing only, and does not apply to sheltered or special needs accommodation.
If you are a tenant living in family accommodation and you report an emergency or urgent repair, the property services staff will assess the priority of the repair in accordance with Apex’s classification policy. Where a repair qualifies under the ‘Right to Repair’ scheme, property services staff will send a written acknowledgement giving the date the repair must be completed by and the name of the designated contractor.
If the qualifying repair is not completed by the date given, you must contact the Property Services Department where the order will be re-issued giving a further 24 hours to complete an emergency repair, and a further four working days for an urgent repair. You are not permitted to carry out such repairs.
It is unlikely that the contractor will fail to carry out the work by the revised completion date. However, should this occur, you may be eligible for compensation under the ‘Right to Repair’ scheme.
Compensation
Compensation will be paid if the contractor does not complete the repair by the revised completion date. The compensation will be paid as follows:
- Initial payment of £10.00
- Further payments of £2.00 for each day’s delay thereafter
- Maximum payable £50.00
If you owe money to Apex, e.g. rent arrears, any entitlement to compensation under the ‘Right to Repair’ scheme will be offset against such arrears.
Compensation payments shall only be made to you, the tenant.
Exceptions
The ‘Right to Repair’ Scheme does not apply where:
- A repair is classified as routine
- You failed to provide reasonable access
- There are exceptional circumstances beyond the control of Apex, e.g. severe weather conditions or parts are not readily available
- You cancel the repair
- The cost of the repair exceeds £250
- The repair requires an inspection
Recoverable Charges
Apex operates a policy on recoverable charges. Where it is deemed that a repair has been the result of wilful damage, neglect, misuse, abuse, or an unauthorised alteration that does not meet Apex’s standards, the Association will implement the policy and pursue the tenant for the costs of the repair. Where considered necessary, the Association may carry out the repair and then recharge the tenant.
The Association will actively follow up recoverable charges through the courts where necessary.