Repairs

Classification of Emergency Repairs

Response within 2 hours*

• Severe flooding
• Total power failure
• Insecure property

Response within 24 hours

• Follow on work from *
• Unsafe power or lighting socket
• Total loss of water supply
• Partial loss of gas supply
• Blocked flue to fire/boiler
• Total loss of heating/hot water (up to May)
• Major blockages to drains/soil pipes (tel. United Utilities: 0845 746 2200
• WC not working (if there is only one in the property)
• Major leak from heating/water system
• Insecure window or door lock
• Temporary boarding of windows & doors
• Faulty smoke alarms

What do I do if I smell gas?

Make sure you know where the gas tap is so that you can turn it off in an emergency. If you smell gas, turn off the supply and telephone 0800 111 999. This is a 24-hour emergency line for gas escapes. They will stop an escape in the home or in the street free of charge.

DO NOT:

• smoke
• use naked flames
• turn electric switches on or off

DO: Open all windows and doors

For more information on repairs

Our Repairs Information gives details and advice including:

• Repairs we are responsible for and repairs that are your responsibility.
• How long it will take to carry out a repair
• Home improvements
• Decoration allowance
• Right to Repair Legislation
• Gas servicing

Worried about damp and mould in your property?

We receive lots of enquiries from tenants worried there is damp in their property. In the vast majority of cases, the black mould/damp patches are caused by condensation and, although unsightly, are completely normal.

Condensation occurs when warm moist air and steam comes into contact with a cold surface and if left to build up on a surface it causes mould to grow.

For information on the causes of condensation and how to reduce it, please watch these videos or read this information leaflet.

Videos

Damp & Condensation on your Home (video)

Causes of Condensation (video)

Reducing Condensation (video)

If, despite taking steps to prevent mould, the problem persists, please get in touch so we can arrange for a surveyor to visit and investigate.

Please also report any repair issues that could cause damp in your home, for example leaking gutters or pipes.

Call us on (01229) 876578 or email: housing@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Disrepair Claims

We’re aware that some of our tenants are being approached by claims management companies encouraging and putting pressure on them to make a claim against us for disrepair.

These companies are not always what they seem. They may not give you all the information you need before you agree to work with them, and they could put you at serious financial risk.

As your landlord, we’re here to help and look after you and your home. We want to protect you from these companies and explain the factors and risks you need to consider if you’re thinking of making a claim.

Please take a moment to read our news item warning about disrepair claims companies.

Rechargeable repairs

We will seek to recover the cost of repair work from tenants who abuse or mistreat their property. Wilful damage includes holes in doors, damage to plaster, light/power sockets or any other repair or improvement caused by tenant neglect.

For more information, read our guidance on how to avoid rechargeable costs.

Will the Council carry out improvements to my home?

Every year planned maintenance works are carried out to certain properties. These works are planned in advance to make sure our properties do not fall into disrepair, that they have modern facilities, are warm and efficiently heated and meet health and safety standards.

There is a ‘Decent Homes Standard’ for all social housing set by the Government. 100% of our properties currently meet this standard and we continuously undertake work to ensure this is maintained.