Responsibilities

Both you and we have responsibilities and obligations towards repairs. We want to maintain our houses as best as we can. We rely on you to help us by reporting repairs and allowing us reasonable access to do them.

Reporting a Repair - Questions and Answers

Will the council have to visit before doing a repair?

Yes, if measurements are needed or the work is complicated. You can help to prevent some inspections by giving as much accurate information as possible.

Will I ever be charged for repairs?

Yes!

If the repair arises from your neglect or misuse - for example, if you lose your house keys and require access or if you deliberately break fixtures or fittings.

In cases of accidental damage, please give us the details as we may be able to offset a charge against an insurance claim.

We also rely on your help to prevent repairs, for example keeping gullies and drains around your home free from blockages.

I went out when the contractor called. What should I do?

The contractor will have left a card. You should complete details of when you will be at home and return it as soon as possible.

How do I report an emergency repair outside of office opening times?

We provide an emergency repairs service for work that cannot wait until the Area Office is open again. Examples include complete loss of electricity, serious leaks and structural damage.

Please telephone the Standby Operator on 01793 695851 and provide as much information as possible.

In some circumstances the repair request may be refused, or you may be advised that the work is not an emergency and it will be passed on to the Area Office the next working day.

Our Service Standards:

• We will deal with your repair request quickly, politely and accurately based on the information given
• We will ensure that you and your home are treated with care and respect at all times
• We will ensure that the work is done on time, to a high standard and to your satisfaction
• When we order a repair, we will give you a receipt by return of post detailing the work and when the work should be completed by
• Our contractors will carry identification cards and adhere to strict security measures designed to safeguard your security
• After repair, we will inspect certain jobs to ensure we are getting value for money

Getting Help with Internal Decoration or Garden Maintenance

If you are of pensionable age and/or you are a disabled person with no able-bodied relatives living in Swindon, you can apply for assistance with internal decoration and/or gardening maintenance.

To apply, just complete a form (both available below as downloadable pdfs) and return to:

Swindon Borough Council
Housing Landlord Services
Estate Management
Civic Offices
Euclid Street
Swindon
SN1 2JH

Or you can e-mail details to: pholohan@swindon.gov.uk

PDF Version - Request for Assistance with Internal Decoration

Online Version - Version - Request for Assistance with Internal Decoration

PDF Version - Request for Assistance with Garden Maintenance

Online Version - Request for Assistance with Garden Maintenance

New Tenants' Paint Allowance

If you are a new tenant, you may be eligible for a paint allowance.

Before a home is let to you, a surveyor will inspect the property and arrange any work that needs to be done.  If a property is a sheltered property, it will be decorated if necessary.

For any other properties however, an assessment will be made as to whether a paint allowance should be issued to you, and, if this is the case, you will be given a form that allows you to collect a supply of paint from Swindon Services.

Please note, however, the Council will not carry out the decoration.