REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE Your right to compensation for improvements
This leaflet explains how you may be entitled to compensation if you have made improvements to your home and then decide to end the tenancy and move on. Right to compensation for improvements You must get our written permission before carrying out improvements or alterations to your home. At the end of your tenancy you may be entitled to compensation if you have carried out certain improvements and followed this procedure before undertaking any work. The compensation will take into account the initial cost of the work and the length of time since the work was carried out, compared with its expected lifespan. Which improvements qualify for compensation? The improvements detailed opposite may qualify for compensation. We appreciate that the fixtures or fittings in question may have a longer life than shown; however they are classed as having no monetary value once the expected lifespan has been reached.
Improvement Bath or shower Wash hand basin Toilet Kitchen sink Storage cupboards in kitchen or bathroom Work surfaces in kitchen Space or water heating Thermostatic radiator valves Insulation of pipes, water tank or cylinder Loft insulation Cavity wall insulation Draught proofing of external doors or windows Double glazing, external window replacement or secondary glazing Rewiring or the provision of power and lighting or other electrical fittings (including smoke detectors) Any object which improves the security of the dwelling house, but excluding burglar alarms Expected lifespan 12 years 12 years 12 years 12 years 7 years 20 years 20 years 8 years 20 years 15 years
However, we retain the right to refuse permission for the improvement and/or compensation if: n the work costs too much; n it is out of keeping with the rest of the dwelling; n it will be expensive to maintain; n it will make the dwelling difficult to let in future; n it will be unsuitable for possible future occupants; n you are replacing a component that is not due on our planned programme. What do I need to do when I want to improve my home and what happens next? If we feel the improvement work you are planning qualifies for compensation, you must first apply for our permission in writing before the work is carried out. You should send us the attached registration form, together with three estimates, which should be from independent contractors. If you wish to do the work yourself, you should send us an estimate for the fittings and materials only. Work involving gas or electricity must be carried out by a qualified tradesperson. You should tell us which estimate you wish to accept. We will let you know within 10 working days if we can accept your chosen estimate. If the work is too costly then it will be discussed on an individual basis.
How do I claim compensation when I need to improve my home and what happens next? n You can only claim compensation at the end of your tenancy. n If your tenancy is terminated by us taking legal action, then you will not be able to claim compensation. n You will also not be able to claim compensation if you buy the property. n You must let us know when you terminate your tenancy that you wish to claim compensation. We will not pay you any compensation until after your tenancy has terminated and we have been able to inspect the condition of the improvement. If you owe us any money we will deduct the amount you owe us from the compensation. Any compensation will be paid by cheque. How much will I receive? You will not get the full amount for your home improvement that you originally paid as age and wear and tear are taken into consideration. There is also a maximum amount of 3,000 that you can be paid. Details on how this is calculated are available on request.
Your right to compensation for improvements You have the right to claim compensation for improvements in your home provided you follow this procedure. Give your written request for permission to carry out improvements to us Improvement not on qualifying list Qualifying improvement Not entitled to compensation Compensation will only be paid at the end of the tenancy and the amount agreed will be set against any rent arrears owed to us. Where the tenancy is terminated by us, you will not normally be entitled to compensation. You should obtain three estimates from contractors We will agree which estimate we accept We will give you written consent (final sum paid will not be the full amount - you must allow for depreciation) Work complete We inspect completed work
Your right to compensation for improvements registration form Name: Address: Telephone: Improvement you wish to carry out: I attach 3 estimates and wish to accept the estimate from: Because: Signed: For Office Use: Does the improvement qualify for compensation? Date: No Yes Amount that future compensation should be based on: If this is different from the above estimate, what is the reason for the difference? Signed: Property Surveyor Signed: Maintenance Services Manager Date: Date:
Colour coded information leaflets are available for the following services: Customer Service Housing Management Support Services Regeneration Managing your Money Repairs and Maintenance Please tell us if you need help to read or understand this information. If you need it in large print, Braille or in another language, please contact us. You can get in touch with us in a number of different ways: Phone Free from a landline on 08000 461600 or on 01642 261100, charged at local rates from a mobile. Web For Erimus Housing, log on to www.erimushousing.co.uk For Tees Valley Housing, log on to www.teesvalley.org Email For general enquiries, email contact.team@fabrickgroup.co.uk Facebook Find us on facebook.co.uk/erimushousing or facebook.co.uk/teesvalleyhousing Get Involved If you d like to get more involved, contact our resident engagement team on 01642 256170. Part of the Fabrick Group