Rechargeable Repairs

Obligations        

Sandwell Homes has a duty on behalf of the landlord (SMBC) to ensure the housing stock is well maintained. However, tenants also have a similar obligation and this duty is clearly defined within the tenancy agreement.  The grounds for recharge are therefore based upon the tenant’s inherent responsibility to comply with this agreement, which is a legally binding contract.

Policy

Where work has been identified as the tenant’s responsibility and therefore rechargeable, the tenant will be offered the option of arranging for the work to be completed. However, the following conditions apply:

• The tenant must still be living at the property
• Permission to carry out the work must be obtained in writing from the appropriate repairs manager before the work is to commence
• All work must be completed by a competent person(s) and in accordance with an agreed timescale
• The tenant will remain liable for all resultant costs.

Where the tenant has not arranged for the work to be undertaken themselves any cost will be recovered as outlined in the paragraph below.

Although the general rule is to be widely applied, in exceptional circumstances costs may be waived. Each case will be considered on its own merit and consideration will be given to the following:

• Vulnerable person with no other able bodied adult person at the property
• Health (including Mental Health/Learning Difficulties)
• Disability
• Victim of Crime (e.g. Reported to the Police and a crime/log number is available)
• Hardship

Examples of repairs which will be recharged

• Re-glazing
• Lock changes
• Contents clearance from a vacated building
• Storage of contents resulting from abandonment or eviction
• Damage resulting from do-it-yourself activities (this may include neighbouring properties)
• Damage to any fixtures, fittings or appliances
• Damage to the structure of the building
• Void property left in unsatisfactory condition (including the garden and outhouses)

Calculation of rechargeable cost

The cost of repair & maintenance work will be calculated using the market adjusted National Housing Federation Schedule of Rates, plus 15% for administration together with VAT as applicable. Where a recharge is made there will be two options available for repayment. The amount charged can be paid in full, or upon agreement, by instalments. The amount and the person’s ability to pay shall be considered when an agreement is made to allow payment by instalments.

Payments and Incentives

The 15% administration charge will be discounted, if paid in full within 14 calendar days on receipt of invoice.

Reviews and Appeals Process

Any complaint in relation to the rechargeable repair will be in accordance Sandwell Homes Complaints Procedures.

Additional Services

Tenants may request Sandwell Homes to undertake additional services, for example:

• Supply and fix additional kitchen wall unit.
• Plumbing washing machines, dishwashers etc.
• The installation of tenants own gas fire.
• Extra rows of glazed tile exceeding our standard 2 rows.

The time scale for this service must be agreed and payments received before work commences; the cost will be calculated as above. All agreed requests will include an inspection charge of £25.00