Repairs and planned maintenance

Your home should be free from things that keep breaking down - thanks to our annual property services,

Think of it a bit like car servicing - make sure your car gets regular check-ups and maintenance and it's much less likely to break down. We've taken exactly the same approach with keeping your home in good working order.

We visit your home once a year, take a really good look at it from top to bottom and carry out all of the repairs before you have to report them. All we ask is that you let us in so that we can carry out the service.

It's a right-first-time approach that really works, saving everyone time and money by cutting down on the number of faults and breakdowns during the year.

Of course, if something serious does go wrong - like a broken boiler or leaking pipe - we will come to fix it. Emergencies or problems that might put you and your family at risk will always be our number one priority.

We want to make sure that you live in the best possible surroundings and that your home meets your needs now and in the future.

We will repair defects caused by fair wear and tear but not if it is caused by you or your visitors. You can report a repair in various ways and can check the repair online.

Planned maintenance

As your home gets older we may need to improve or replace items, including; kitchens, bathrooms, double-glazed windows and doors, heating, cavity wall and loft insulation.

We have a five-year plan for improvement work. If your home is included in this plan we will let you know what we are intending to do, when it is likely to happen and who will do it. Depending on what's involved we may discuss the work in more detail with you. We will let you know when the work will start and finish and if these dates change. You will also be given the opportunity to select colour schemes where appropriate, for example new kitchens and bathrooms.

When will a repalcement happen in your property? When do we not carry out replacements? For our frequently asked questions on planned maintenance, check out our 'Your questions answered' guide

Our contractor will make sure all works are completed to our agreed standards. We may also inspect the work and check you are happy with it and that it meets your needs. The contractor is also responsible for returning to make any repairs during the first 12 months after completion.

Central heating and solid fuel heating

All of our properties should have a full central heating system. If you:

• do not have a full central heating system
• have  a partial system
• have solid fuel heating

and would like to be considered for either gas or electric central heating please call our Customer Service Centre on 0330 1234 034.

Gas servicing

Your safety is very important to us. It's our legal duty to service gas appliances every year and to give you a copy of the gas certificate. A gas engineer must come into your home to do this and you will need to let them in. They will make an appointment with you. If that time and date is not suitable, please rearrange.

Smoke alarms

All homes should have at least one smoke alarm. We will check the operation of your alarms every year. You should also regularly check that the alarm is working properly and, if it has a battery, that you change it when needed.

If you do not have a smoke alarm or your alarm is not working please contact us at once.

Find out more through the My Account area.