The Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 came into effect on the 30th September 2002. Under this Act WWHC tenants have the right to have certain repairs carried out within a specific timescale. This is known as The Right to Repair.
When you report a repair (see table of qualifying repairs below), you will be informed that this repair qualifies under the Right to Repair Legislation. At this stage, it will be decided whether or not the repair requires pre-inspection. In line with WWHC maintenance procedures a percentage of all repairs must be inspected.
In accordance with the statutory requirements of the Right to Repair, you will receive written confirmation from WWHC on the following:
- The maximum time period within which the contractor can carry out the repair (see table below)
- The last possible day that the repair can be carried out within the legal timescale.
- The name, address and contact number of the main contractor, plus the same details for at least one other contractor from the approved contractor list .
- Information on the compensation that may be payable should the requirements of the Right to Repair legislation not be met.
Access details will be gained from the tenant at the time of reporting the repair.
It should be emphasised that any tenant who is wilfully denying access or is unable to provide access within the designated timescale, renders their Right to Repair null and void.
Under exceptional circumstances whereby the main contractor cannot complete the repair within the arranged timescales for reasons outwith their control (eg. unusual materials required or severe weather) alternative arrangements can be made. In such circumstances WWHC can extend the timescales however WWHC must inform the tenant of these changes.
Qualifying Repairs under the Right to Repair –
Time to Complete
| Repair | Completion |
|---|---|
| Blocked or leaking foul drains, soil stacks or toilet pans where there is no other toilet in the house. | 1 Day |
| Blocked sink, bath or drain. | 1 Day |
| Loss of electric power | 1 Day |
| Partial loss of electric power | 3 Days |
| Insecure external window, door or lock. | 1 Day |
| Unsafe access path or step. | 1 Day |
| Significant leaks or flooding from water or heating pipes, tanks, cisterns. | 1 Day |
| Loss or partial loss of space or water heating where no alternative heating is available. | 1 Day |
| Toilet not flushing where there is no other toilet in the house. | 1 Day |
| Unsafe power or lighting socket, or electrical fitting. | 1 Day |
| Loss of water supply. | 1 Day |
| Partial loss of water supply. | 3 Days |
| Loose or detached banister or hand rail. | 3 Days |
| Unsafe timber flooring or stair treads. | 3 Days |
| Mechanical extractor fan in internal kitchen or bathroom not working. | 7 Days |
West Whitlawburn Housing Co-operative Ltd