Repair responsibilities
What are you responsible for?
In general, you're responsible for taking care of your home, which means doing things like internal decoration, gardening, simple DIY jobs, and looking after any fittings or appliances you install. You’re also responsible for any damage you cause. Here’s a breakdown of your responsibilities:
Electrical
- Fluorescent tubes and starter motors
- Fuse box - resetting the trip switch
- Fuses and plugs
- Lightbulbs
External
- Dustbin replacement (unless provided by the council)
- Washing lines or rotary dryers
Gas
- Bleeding radiators and relighting pilot light
Internal
- Bleeding radiators
- Cracks (minor) in ceiling - patching
- Cracks (minor) in walls - patching
- Curtain pole, rail, or track replacement
- Damage caused by you to the property, fixtures, or fittings
- Door adaptations (to accommodate carpets), including refixing draft excluders
- Doorbell replacement or fitting (including batteries)
- Draught-proofing
- Fitting additional locks/catches or safety devices, for example: peep holes, a safety chain, and burglar alarm
- Fixtures you’ve fitted (like laminate flooring/shelves)
- Handles and latches on inside doors and cupboards
- Keys/fobs
- Painting and decorating, including papering, woodwork, or coving
- Smoke alarm (battery powered) testing or replacement
- TV aerial, points, or satellite dishes
Plumbing
- Bath panel replacement
- Blocked bath, basin, sink, shower, or toilet
- Broken toilet seats (refix or replace)
- Plug or chain replacement
- Plumbing/fitting your own domestic appliances, which must be done according to Gas Safe or NICEIC regulations
- Sealant replacement for kitchen units and sanitary fittings
- Shower curtain replacement
- Tap washer replacement (to stop dripping)
Finding a tradesperson We expect you to organise and pay for any repairs that are your responsibility. There are several websites to search for a reliable tradesperson, such as:
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What is Places for People responsible for?
We’re responsible for repairing and maintaining the structure of your home, any communal areas, and the fixtures and fittings we've provided. Here’s a breakdown of our responsibilities, for further information please consult your tenancy agreement:
Electrical
- Electrical wiring, including sockets and switches
External
- Doorsteps
- Doors
- Drains, gutters, and outside pipes
- Garages and stores (excluding sheds)
- Overall structure of your home
- Painting
- Paths and walkways (shared) or main access to property
- Roof
- Walls
- Windowsills, catches, sash cords, and window frames
Gas
- Chimneys (excluding sweeping)
- Fireplaces, fitted fires, and central heating systems
- Gas pipes and appliances provided by us
- Water heaters
Internal
- Communal areas (unless the damage has been caused by you)
- Door hinges and skirting
- Doors and frames
- Fixtures and fittings provided by us
- Walls, floors, and ceilings
Plumbing
- Basin or sink replacement
- Unblocking external waste pipes ONLY
- Water supply and water pipes
Still need help?
If you’re unsure which repairs are your responsibility, or if you have genuine difficulties getting jobs done, please contact us.