Our and your responsibilities

It can be pretty frustrating when something in your home breaks. To make sure your repair is dealt with as quickly and smoothly as possible, it’s important you know if the repair is our responsibility or yours.

Who pays for repairs in my home?

Not sure who covers the cost of a broken boiler? A dripping tap? What about a problem in the garden?

Your tenancy or lease agreement tells you who is responsible for what repairs. If we’re responsible then you won’t need to pay for the cost of the repair.

You will cover the cost for repairs that are not our responsibility or any property damage caused through misuse or neglect by you, your family or any visitors you have or any criminal damage. We call this rechargeable repair.

Remember to arrange contents insurance as soon as you move in, in case any of your belongings are damaged when something breaks (for example, water damage from burst pipes).

We’ll always carry out repairs in an emergency, even if the repair is your responsibility. If this happens then you might still need to cover the cost of the work. We also will take account of exceptional circumstances.

Below are some examples of repairs we may be responsible for, but always remember to check your tenancy agreement for full details.

Bathroom

Home Group's responsibilities:

Baths and showers
Sinks
Toilets
Some fixtures and fittings (see your responsibilities)
Taps
Tiles fitted by us

What are my responsibilities:

Bath and sink plugs or chains
Clearing blockages caused by misuse to baths, sinks and basins
Shower curtains or rails
Toilet roll holders
Toilet seats

View our bathroom DIY guides

General

Home Group's responsibilities:

Ceiling hatch
Communal lighting
Emergency lighting
Entry phones
Fire extinguishers
Gas appliances
Lifts
Refuse chutes

What are my responsibilities:

Cleaning and replacing carpets and flooring
Door furniture including cupboard doors (if installed by you)
Floor tiles and floor finishes
Rubbish disposal
Wardrobes

View our general DIY guides

Electricity and power

Home Group's responsibility:

Electrical wiring
Fuse boxes
Fuses in circuit breakers and fused spurs
Wall sockets
Washing machine fittings provided by us

What are my responsibilities:

For your safety, electrical repairs must always be carried out by someone qualified to do so
Domestic appliances such as cookers, freezers, fridges and washing machines (unless provided by Home Group and specifically referenced in your tenancy agreements)
Replacing light bulbs
TV aerials (this might be different if it’s in a communal area)
TV and telephone outlet points

View our electricity and power DIY guides