On this page: A statement of who is responsible for the various aspects of repairs to council-owned properties.
Key Responsibilities
Responsibility for the condition, maintenance and repair of council-owned homes is divided between the Council and the tenant. It is important to understand who is responsible for what.
The Council's Responsibilities
Swindon Borough Council is responsible for the maintenance of most of the items that were part of the premises when the tenancy started (but only if their repair or replacement was due to fair wear and tear).
For exceptions, see Tenant's Responsibilities (below).
The Tenant's Responsibilities
General Responsibilities
Generally, the tenant is responsible for:
The repair or replacement of all items if this is due to wilful neglect and/or accidental or deliberate damage caused by the tenant, members of the household, visitors to the property or pets
Acts of vandalism or criminal damage, unless the incident is reported to the police and a police log number issued. The tenant must co-operate with the police during their investigation of the incident, or else he or she will be held responsible for the repair or replacement.
Any modifications he or she makes to the property
Specific Responsibilities
The following specific items are also the tenant's responsibility:
Bathroom/basin plugs and chains
Fuses to appliances and the consumer unit
Light bulbs, fluorescent tubes and starter units (except in communal areas)
Battery-operated smoke detectors
Sweeping chimneys (except if used by council-owned gas appliance)
The connection and disconnection of tenant's own gas or electrical appliances
Internal decoration (except in sheltered accommodation)
Loose floor covering or carpets (unless provided by the council)
Hat and coat rails/hooks
Frost damage to outside toilets, taps and pipework
Gully grids
Gardens
Any item identified at a mutual exchange as the incoming tenant's responsibilities
Electrical Safety Tips and Advice Leaflet