3. Right To Repair Scheme
The Right to Repair is a government scheme that helps make sure certain urgent repairs in council homes are completed within a set time. These are known as qualifying repairs.
If a qualifying repair is not completed within the required time, you have the right to ask us to arrange for another approved contractor to carry out the work. If the second contractor also fails to complete the repair on time, you may be entitled to compensation.
How the scheme works
- Each qualifying repair has a maximum time limit for completion, set by government regulations.
- Time limits range from 1 to 20 working days, depending on the type of repair.
- If an inspection is needed to decide what work is required, the time limit starts from the date the repair order is issued to the contractor.
- If you ask for the repair appointment to be after the regulatory time limit, the Right to Repair conditions will no longer apply.
Compensation
If a qualifying repair is not completed on time after a second contractor has been appointed, compensation may be paid.
- £10 for the initial delay
- £2 for each additional day the repair remains outstanding
- Up to a maximum of £50
Who the scheme applies to
The Right to Repair usually applies if you:
- are a council tenant
- have a secure or introductory tenancy
- live in a property where the council is responsible for the repair
The scheme does not apply to:
- planned improvement works
- repairs costing more than £250
- repairs the council is not responsible for
- damage caused deliberately
Qualifying repairs and response times
The table below shows examples of qualifying repairs and the maximum time allowed to complete them.
| Repair type | Response time (working days) |
|---|---|
| Total loss of electric power | 1 |
| Partial loss of electric power | 3 |
| Unsafe power or lighting socket or electrical fitting | 1 |
| Total loss of water supply | 1 |
| Partial loss of water supply | 3 |
| Total or partial loss of gas supply | 1 |
| Blocked flue to open fire or boiler | 1 |
| Heating or hot water not working (31 October – 1 May) | 1 |
| Heating or hot water not working (1 May – 31 October) | 3 |
| Blocked or leaking foul drain, soil stack or toilet | 1 |
| Toilet not flushing (only toilet in the property) | 1 |
| Blocked sink, bath or basin | 3 |
| Tap cannot be turned | 3 |
| Leak from a water pipe, tank or cistern | 1 |
| Leaking roof | 7 |
| Insecure external window, door or lock | 1 |
| Loose or detached banister or handrail | 3 |
| Rotten timber flooring or stair tread | 3 |
| Door entry phone not working | 7 |
| Mechanical extractor fan not working | 7 |