Right to Repair
What is the Right to Repair Scheme?
All Co-op tenants have the right to have small, urgent repairs carried out within a given timescale. The scheme covers the following qualifying repairs up to a value of £350.
| Qualifying Repair | Max. Time to Complete |
|---|---|
| Blocked or leaking foul drains, soil stacks or toilet pans (if there is no other toilet in the house. | 1 day |
| Blocked sink, bath or basin. | 1 day |
| Loss of electric power. | 1 day |
| Part loss of electric power. | 3 days |
| External windows, doors or locks which are not secure. | 1 day |
| Unsafe access path or step. | 1 day |
| Significant leaks or flooding from a water or heating pipes, tanks, or cisterns. | 1 day |
| Toilet which does not flush (if there is no other toilet in the house). | 1 day |
| Unsafe power or lighting sockets or electrical fittings. | 1 day |
| Loss of water supply. | 1 day |
| Part loss of water supply. | 3 days |
| Loss or part loss of space or water heating if no alternative heating is available. | 1 day |
| Loose or detached bannisters or handrails. | 3 days |
| Unsafe timber flooring or stair treads. | 3 days |
| Broken mechanical extractor fans in a kitchen or bathroom which has no external window or door. | 7 days |
These times are set by law, not by us.
The maximum time to complete the repair starts on the first working day after we have been notfied of the repair or, if an inspection is required, the date of inspection
We will let you know if your repair qualifies under the scheme. If the repair qualifies we will:
- Tell you the maximum time allowed to carry out the repair.
- Tell you the last day of that period.
- Explain your rights under the scheme.
- Give you the name, address, and phone number of the contractor and an alternative contractor.
- Make arrangements with you to get into your home to carry out the repair.
Access
If you do not give access at the agreed time, your right to repair will be cancelled and you will have to re-apply to start the process again.
What happens if the work is not done on time?
If the work is not started in the time limit set, you can ask the secondary contractor to carry out the repair. This contractor has the same length of time as the first contactor to carry out the repair.
Right to Compensation
The Co-operative has recently agreed it's policy on Right to Compensation following The Housing Act legislation passed by the Scottish Executive.
The Right to Compensation for Improvements applies to improvements completed on or after 30th September 2002. In relation to any qualifying improvements completed prior to that date, the former WWHC policy will apply.
Improvements
Certain improvements are applicable for compensation which were started on or after 30th September 2002.
The minimum amount of compensation which can be applied for is £100, with the maximum amount being £4,000.
If the tenant applying for compensation owes the Co-operative rent arrears, this amount will be deducted from the compensation amount.
Permission
To qualify for compensation WWHC tenants must have the prior written permission of the Co-operative for the improvement works. The Co-operative will not unreasonably withhold permission.
The Co-operative must be satisfied that the works are to an appropriate standard before progressing the compensation
Compensation for improvements can only be given once the tenancy has come to an end.
Decoration to the home does not qualify under the Right to Compensation for Improvement Policy.
Tenants submitting a claim to the Co-operative must do so, at the earliest, within 28 days of the tenancy ending and at the latest no more than 21 days after the tenancy ends.
If any tenant wishes to apply for approval to commence works which may qualify for future compensation, you should apply in writing to The Co-operative's Senior Maintenance Officer, John Reilly
Page last updated 19th January 2005