Repairs Responsibilities

Repairs, Who’s Responsible?

Some repairs are our responsibility, and some are yours. Your tenancy agreement has full details, but here’s a quick overview:

Please note

STAR is not responsible for collecting waste bins.

When is my bin collected? | Shropshire Council 

Your Responsibilities

Important:  

If damage is caused by a third party (e.g. break-in or vandalism), you won’t be charged for repairs as long as you report it to the police and provide a crime reference number.

You’re responsible for:

  • Keeping your home in reasonable condition  
  • Testing your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. We recommend that you do this weekly. 
  • Managing condensation 
  • Replacing light bulbs, fluorescent strips, and starters (except in communal areas)  
  • Internal decoration and minor plastering  
  • Clearing minor blockages (sinks, baths, basins, toilets)  
  • Repairs to domestic appliances (e.g. washing machines, dishwashers)  
  • Garden maintenance, including trees and hedges  
  • Replacing toilet seats, doorbells, curtain rails  
  • TV aerials (unless part of a communal system)  
  • Replacing smashed windows * 
  • Replacing laminate flooring 
  • Replacing washing lines (non-communal) 
  • Re-setting fuse board switches
  • Repairs to gates/fencing not installed by us  
  • Damage caused by household members or visitors  
  • Sheds (not outbuildings)  
  • Telephone points and sockets  
  • Minor repairs like drawer handles and coat hooks  
  • Easing and refitting internal doors after carpets are laid  
  • Clearing leaves from external gullies or grids  
  • Paving you have had installed
  • Reporting any pest control issues as soon as you discover them

 *STAR will replace the window and charge the tenant for the costs. 

Keep Communal Areas and Balconies Clear 

To keep everyone safe, communal areas like corridors, stairwells, landings and bike stores must be kept completely clear. Mobility scooters, electric scooters, and electric bikes must not be stored or charged in these spaces. 

Balconies must also be kept free of clutter,these items must not be stored or charged there either as it will increase fire risk to your property and the block. 

If you’re unsure where to safely store your equipment, please contact us for advice. 

Our Responsibilities

We’ll take care of:

  • Structural repairs (walls, roofs, windows, doors)  
  • Heating and hot water systems  
  • Plumbing and electrics  
  • Safety equipment (alarms, detectors)  
  • Shared areas in blocks or estates  
  • Damp and Mould 
  • Investigating the source of any pest issues and treating if necessary 

Shared ownership homes repair responsibilities

As a shared owner, you’re responsible for keeping your home in good condition and covering the cost of repairs and maintenance. 

Some homes come with a £500 repairs allowance for the first 10 years, this means your landlord may help cover some repairs. You can check if this applies to your home by looking at the Key Information Document you received when you bought your share. 

If your home is a new-build, it may have a defects liability period—this is a time (usually around 12 months after the build is finished) when the builder is responsible for fixing certain issues. The exact length of this period can vary depending on the contract.) 

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