Right to Repair scheme

Council tenants have a right for certain repairs to be done under the Right to Repair scheme. 

The scheme covers certain repairs that cost less than £350 and aim to be done in a certain timescale. These are called 'qualifying' repairs.

When you report a housing repair, we’ll tell you

• if it’s the council's responsibility to repair it
• if it qualifies under the Right to repair scheme
• how long it should take
• what your rights under the Right to Repair scheme, including the process for using an alternative contractor.

We’ll then arrange an appointment with you to do the repair.

The RIght to Repair Scheme only applies to council tenants.

The times below show the maximum number of working days from the day after you report a qualifying repair or inspection. 

It does not include weekends or public holidays.

Emergency repairs done or inspected within 1 day

This includes:

• blocked chimney flue to an open fire or boiler
• blocked, leaking, or smelly drains; external waste pipes; or the toilet bowl if this is the only toilet in your house
• blocked sink; bath; or drain
• loss of electric power
• insecure external window; door; or lock
• unsafe access path or step
• significant leaks or flooding from water or heating pipes; tanks; or cisterns
• loss or partial loss of gas supply 
  loss or partial loss of water heating, or heating from appliances for specific areas, where there are not any other ways to heat your home
• the toilet will not flush and there’s no other toilet in the house
• unsafe power of lighting socket or electrical fitting
• loss of water supply.

Urgent repairs done or inspected within 3 working days

This includes:

• partial loss of electric power
• partial loss of water supply
• loose or detached banister or handrail
• unsafe  timber flooring or the steps on your staircase.

Routine repairs done within 7 working days

This includes the repair or replacement of a mechanical extractor fan in internal kitchen or bathroom.

Most other routine repairs are done within 15 days of you reporting it to us, but it will depend on what the issue is.

What the Right to Repair Scheme does not include

The Right to Repair scheme does not cover all repairs.

It does not apply when:

• the defect or damage has been caused by a breach of your tenancy conditions, such as deliberate damage
• the repair is delayed for other reasons, like needing to order spare parts or we need another contractor for the job
• the repair is not the council's responsibility
• the repair belongs to the shared parts of a building
• the repair will cost more than £350. 

See what repairs and maintenance we do and what are your responsibilities as a council tenant.

In most cases, our building services will do the repair. 

If we need to order parts or materials for the repair, it may not be done within the standard time. If this is the case, we’ll let you know when it should be finished.

Repair times may also vary if the weather is bad. For safety reasons, we cannot go onto a roof in the dark, during high winds, or when it is raining. 

If a repair is delayed because of bad weather, we will let you know when it will be done.

If we do not start the repair within the set timescale, you have the right to arrange an alternative contractor from our approved list of contractors to carry out the repair. You cannot use a contractor who is not on the Council’s approved list.

If we do not do the repair within the qualifying time, you have the right to ask our backup contractor CGC to do the repair.

Their contact details are:
CGC
Unit 3, Imperial Park
West Avenue Inwood
PA1 2FB
0141 561 6500

Report a housing repair

You can also report a housing repair by:

• phone 0300 300 0300
• email repairs@renfrewshire.gov.uk

If for any reason you are not satisfied with the service you have received, you can let us know by 

• reporting it online
• phone 0300 300 0300
• email repairs@renfrewshire.gov.uk  

We can normally solve problems quickly and easily at this stage.

However, if you are still unhappy with our service, you can make a formal complaint to us.

We will investigate your complaint and, where appropriate, correct the problem and and let you know the outcome.

If we do not carry out the repair within the set timescale, you may be entitled to compensation.

If we fail to carry out a qualifying repair within the maximum time allowed, you will be entitled to £15 compensation. 

You will then be entitled to a further £3 per day for every day the repair remains outstanding, up to a maximum of £100.

Any payment will be made automatically. You do not need to make a claim.