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V26-1151 : RECHARGING FOR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY

The report of the Director of Housing and Environmental Services reminded members of the present policy of recharging tenants for work required to repair damage to property which has been caused by misuse or negligence.

Presently recharges were raised when work was completed and the tenant subsequently invoiced. The amount of money actually recovered was minimal despite proceeding to court on some occasions. During 1997/98 £9,300 in recharges were raised and only £2,500 recovered.

Following consultations with the Tenants' Panel it was proposed:

(a) that any damage to the property, caused by either accident, negligence or misuse, be recharged to the tenant. In some circumstances exceptions could be argued, and the policy needed some flexibility to allow for this.

(b) that tenants be required to pay for any re-chargeable repair based on an estimate from the Contractor, before the repair took place. This would help ensure money was recovered before any costs were incurred by the Council.

RESOLVED

1. That the policy of recharging tenants that cause damage to a council property, through either accident, negligence or misuse, unless exceptional circumstances exist, at the discretion of the Director of Housing and Environmental Services or his staff, be re-affirmed.

2. That tenants be required to pay for work to be undertaken before the repair is effected, unless exceptional circumstances exist, at the discretion of the Director of Housing and Environmental Services.

* Policy Decision

Volume 26 Minute 1151

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