You are responsible for the upkeep of your home. This includes:

• Fitting of TV aerials and satellite dishes (where not provided by Orwell). If you are thinking of installing satellite tv, you must first seek written permission from the Association, and in the case of flats you will also require planning permission. The Association reserves the right to specify the location of satellite dishes on any of our properties
   
• Minor cracks to plaster (except in sheltered housing schemes).
   
• Adapting doors to accommodate carpets.
   
• Internal decoration (except in sheltered housing schemes).
   
• Fitting extra catches and safety devices (except in sheltered housing schemes).
   
• Replacing locks or keys which have been lost. If you have a mortice lock the Association will re-charge you for the cost of replacing it, which at the time of going to press, is approximately £35.00. There is no charge for replacing a core on a lock, but you will be recharged for keys which currently cost £6.45 each. If you require any additional keys, please contact the Association who will order them for you upon receipt of payment. However, if your home has been burgled and the lock broken, the Association will replace the lock without charge. (These costs are correct at the time of going to press. The Association reserves the right to alter the amounts charged if costs change).
   
• Minor gaps between skirting and floors which are capable of being filled by you whilst decorating (except in sheltered housing schemes).
   
• External and internal window cleaning (except sheltered schemes, where external window cleaning is covered by service charge.)
   
• Plumbing-in and maintaining washing machines or dishwashers.
   
• Plugs and chains on sinks, baths and basins, (except in sheltered housing schemes).
   
• Toilet seats (except in sheltered housing schemes).
   
• Bathroom cabinets, towel rails, toilet roll holders.
   
• Light bulbs and fluorescent tubes (fluorescent tubes are provided by the Association in sheltered housing schemes).
   
• Changing of domestic fuses (except sheltered housing schemes).
   
• Maintenance of any fittings and appliances not provided by Orwell.
   
• The bleeding of radiators (except in sheltered housing schemes) – when you switch the central heating system on for the first time in winter, please check that the radiator valve is fully turned on and that some radiators may contain air that needs discharging using a radiator key to bleed them. WARNING: Some systems that are powered by combination boilers require a certain amount of air pressure to remain efficient – therefore in no circumstances should you bleed radiators in these systems. If you’re unsure please check with your Housing Officer. You will be forewarned if such a system exists or is installed in your home. If you fail to take heed of this warning and the system is damaged as a result, you may be charged the cost of repairing or replacement.
   
• Tenants should not paint or redecorate the outside of their homes without Orwell’s permission. If an incorrect finish is applied this may shorten the lifespan of woodwork and will only have to be removed.
   
• External and internal glazing (unless landlord’s responsibility under fire regulations, ie fire doors).
   
• Curtain rails.
   
• Tidy dryers, washing lines and rotary dryers (unless communal or in sheltered housing schemes).
   
• Shelving, coat and hat rails.
   
• Provision/replacement of dustbins/wheelie bins, unless otherwise specified by the Association. Some local Councils supply these to each household and most councils are changing over to a dual or triple bin system for recycling. If you are not sure, contact your housing officer or local Council for advice.
   
• Disinfestation within the premises (it is worth contacting the local council to see if they are able to assist).
   
• Bell batteries and bulbs.
   
• Smoke detector batteries.
   
• Hedge/lawn cutting and maintenance of private gardens, including private fences, sheds and garages. Please note that the terms of your tenancy agreement requires you to maintain your garden in reasonable order.
   
• Rubbish clearance and cleaning of private areas.
   
• Cleaning of common parts except where specified as part of service charge.
   
• Floor coverings (except in kitchens and bathrooms where the Association has supplied a water resistant covering – this will be replaced if your kitchen has been refitted or the floor covering is worn out). Please note damage caused by you is your responsibility, e.g. in moving appliances:
   
• Filters to extractor fans.
   
• Telephone and TV connections.
   
• Blocked WC/waste pipes. The Association can unblock wc’s and pipes for you but we will recover the cost of doing so from you before the work is carried out.

In addition to the above the tenant is responsible for the cost of any repair required as a result of tenant neglect/misuse. If your home is damaged by a third party you must report it to the Police and request a crime number before reporting it to the Repairs Hotline on 0345 60 100 30.