Repairs- Chargeable Repairs

Certain works may be charged to you for example if:

• The repair is needed because of damage through your negligence or neglect. This also applies if any member of your household, a visitor or any other person at your home causes damage to Poole Housing Partnership (PHP) property

• You fit any type of installation or fixed appliance requiring a repair that we did not give you our written agreement to install

• Having obtained prior written permission and agreed to maintain, the installation was poorly fitted by you or somebody employed by you to fit it

• You must take reasonable care of your home and report any repairs or faults to us straight away. If you have applied to buy your home then we will only carry out the basic repairs the law asks us to do. Once you have bought your home you are responsible for all repairs. You are also responsible for any alterations you made or you agree to take on as part of a 'mutual exchange' prior to the purchase

The cost of carrying out a repair together with any associated administration costs shall be recovered from you if the repair is considered by us to be your responsibility.

The determination of responsibility shall be as defined in the approved Policies on reletting properties, response repairs and call-out service.

The 'cost' of the repair shall be determined from the contracted works schedule of rates. Where appropriate, a fixed price inclusive of administration charge and VAT will be made and payment will be required prior to the repair being undertaken. A minimum charge of £30 inclusive of administration and VAT shall apply to any one repair.

In the case of urgent works of short duration you will be advised of the cost at the time of reporting the chargeable repair, and given the option of appointing your own contractor or carrying out a repair yourself, which must be to a satisfactory standard.

In the case of larger less urgent repairs you will be given written details of the cost of the chargeable repairs, and given the option of appointing your own contractor or carrying out a repair yourself, which again must be to a satisfactory standard.

If you appoint a contractor or you complete a repair yourself a post inspection will be carried out. You must be aware that you may be responsible for the cost of any additional work which may be found to be necessary.

Where repairs for works of an unknown value are required, an order for the execution of the repair will be placed. When we have been invoiced by the contractor you will be invoiced for the cost of the works.

If you have not paid for the chargeable repair before it is carried out and do not pay for the repair upon being presented with an invoice, the Head of Revenues and Benefits shall, after consultation with the Chief Executive of Poole Housing Partnership, take any necessary steps to recover monies due. Where appropriate, this may include the attendance of a resident at a mediation panel or instructions to the Head of Legal Services to institute legal proceedings.