Repair Responsibilities

Winchester Housing Trust provides a high standard of accommodation and aims to keep properties and surrounding areas in good condition. Residents also have responsibilities for basic maintenance, cleanliness and reporting issues promptly.

We ask tenants to work with us by keeping their property clean, free from rubbish, reporting issues that need attention, and being considerate to neighbours.

Working together to maintain your home

Maintaining a high standard of living requires a partnership between the Trust and our residents. By keeping your home and the surrounding area free from clutter, disposing of rubbish correctly, and being considerate to your neighbours, you contribute to a safe and pleasant environment for everyone.

Prompt reporting of repairs prevents minor issues from becoming major disruptions, helping us to allocate resources effectively and maintain the structural integrity of our community properties.

Tenant Responsibilities

Minor repairs of the sort normally undertaken by an occupier.

Clearing blockages

To pipes within the property

Replacing tap washers

Standard maintenance

Bulbs and fuses

Replacing electrical bulbs and fuses

Bathroom fittings

Replacing toilet seats, sink and bathtub plugs

Appliance plugs

Replacing plugs on personal appliances

Smoke alarms

Replacing batteries on your smoke alarms

General Upkeep

Keeping property interior in good order, and taking responsibility for property damage or damage to common areas caused by household members or guests.

WHT Responsibilities

The Trust keeps in good repair the structure and exterior of the premises.

Exterior & Structure

  • Drains, gutters and external pipes (not clearing blockages)
  • The roof and outside walls
  • Outside doors, window sills and catches
  • Sash cords and window frames (including external painting/decoration)
  • Chimneys, chimney stacks and flues (not including sweeping)
  • Pathways, steps or other means of access (not including clearing snow, ice or moss)
  • Boundary walls and fences

Interior Structure

  • Internal walls, floors, ceilings
  • Skirting boards, doors and door frames (not including painting/decoration)
  • Plasterwork

Installations & Utilities

  • Space heating, sanitation
  • The supply of water, gas and electricity
  • Basins, sinks, baths, toilets, flushing systems and waste pipes
  • Electric wiring including sockets and switches
  • Gas pipes and water pipes
  • Water heaters, fireplaces, fitted fire and central heating installations

Common Areas

  • Common areas under WHT control (shared hallways, stairways)
  • Shared green space
  • Shared rubbish storage areas

Disclaimer: This page is general guidance based on WHT’s property maintenance and repair responsibilities information. Responsibility may depend on your tenancy agreement, the cause of the issue and the specific circumstances.

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