Maintenance of Council Houses - Request for Housing Repairs
To request repairs contact the Housing Section of your Local Public Services Centre.
The Council will have regard to your rent history when prioritising any repairs / maintenance works. It is therefore in your own interests to have a good rent payment record.
What are the Councils responsibilities with regard to repairs and maintenance?
The Council will replace or repair various fittings if required due to fair wear and tear. This will be carried out on a Programmed basis, subject to funding availability.
This work will not be carried out:
- if you neglect to properly maintain the house and fittings, and by so doing contribute to the deterioration of fittings, or
- due to burglary or malicious damage.
- The Council will not accept responsibility for fittings and repairs carried out by private contractors hired by the tenant.
What are my responsibilities with regard to repairs and maintenance?
- You are responsible for repairing all damage to the dwelling not caused by fair wear and tear.
- This includes damage to roof tiles, gutters and chimneys by the erection of TV aerials and satellite dishes.
- You are responsible for keeping the dwelling in a clean and sanitary condition by having your refuse collected regularly to avoid offensive matter accumulating in the garden or elsewhere on the premises.
Am I responsible for the garden or just the house itself?
- You are responsible for both. You, other people living with you (including children) and any visitors, must look after your dwelling and garden in a reasonable manner. This also includes maintenance of walls, gates and fences.
- Under the litter by-laws, each householder is obliged to keep free of litter the footpath or pavement adjoining the property and also any road gutter on or at the side of such a pavement. Refuse should be left for collection in a manner that ensures it does not become litter or become a likely health hazard.
- Any laneway/walkway adjoining the house should be kept in a clean condition and should not be used for dumping.
Is it possible to get a summary of who is responsible for what in relation to maintenance and repairs?
- Yes. A summary of responsibilities under different headings is outlined hereunder.
| Tenant |
Council |
Insurance
Contents of your dwelling, and personal belongings |
Structure of the dwelling against fire and storm damage |
Heating System
Solid Fuel (range) System
Repair \ Replacement of doors, handles, grates, fireplates, firebacks, firebricks
Back Boiler (Fireplace) System
Grate replacement
Oil Fired System
Tenant is responsible for all aspects i.e. tank, supply line, annual service of oil burner. Don’t let your oil tank run out. The Council will not be responsible for subsequent problems with heating system.
Radiators
Tenant is responsible for all aspects i.e. airlocks, leaks, repairs etc.
|
Boiler Replacement
Replacement of ranges, (only unusable units over 20 years old will be considered). Ranges can be replaced prior to the 20 years in certain circumstances, subject to rent being up to date etc. The range must be paid for by the tenant over a period of time in such cases.
Boiler replacement
Replacement of oil burners
(only unusable units over 20 years old will be considered.)
|
Plumbing
Replacement \ repair of all sanitary fittings
|
Repairs to leaks \ burst pipes, but tenant will be responsible for any consequent damage to contents.
Replacement of hot water cylinders \ immersion heaters when deemed necessary.
|
Electrical
The tenant is responsible for all electrical repairs.
All electrical work should be carried out by a qualified and registered electrical contractor and a RECI Certificate or similar provided. The Housing Dept. of the Council should be notified of any work carried out along with the name and address of the contractor.
|
Electrical Inspections and rewiring on a Programmed basis in older houses where deemed necessary.
|
Windows \ Doors \ Glass
Replacement \ repair of glass and all window \ door fittings (letterbox, catches, stays, locks, handles etc). |
Replacement \ repair of windows, external doors and frames (only unusable units over 15 years old will be considered). |
Roof \ Chimneys \ Gutters
Cleaning of chimneys, gutters and keeping gully’s cleared. This is to be done at least once per year.
|
Replacement \ repair of roof tiles as required through fair wear and tear.
Replacement of fascia and soffit on a Programmed basis
|
Painting \ Decoration
All internal and external painting of dwelling including windows and doors. |
|
Refuse Disposal \ Vermin
All issues regarding refuse disposal, dealing with vermin etc. |
|
Drainage \ Sewerage
Maintenance of sewers from dwelling to main sewer and in case of Rural cottages the service of water pumps, septic tank, treatment plant and percolation area. Drainage of gardens.
|
|
Kitchen Units
Maintenance \ Repair of kitchen units.
|
Replacement of kitchen units (only unusable units over 15 years old will be considered). |
Boundaries \ Sheds etc.
Cutting of grass and hedges and maintaining driveways, kerbing and all visible boundaries (fences, walls and gates).
Maintenance of fuel sheds and outhouses.
|
|
Other
All repairs arising from condensation damage and internal plaster cracks.
Maintenance of smoke alarms and ventilation covers |
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If you are unable because of old age or disability to carry out repairs that are considered to be the responsibility of the tenant, the Council may attend to these repairs on your behalf.