The ten-thousand tenants of North Lincolnshire Homes are unhappy after being told that they could soon be forced to pay more to the housing association’s yearly bill of £5.5 million for repairing, cleaning and clearing the properties.
In 2011 the not-for-profit trust spent £1,850,133 on empty homes and £3,660,589 on tenanted properties. Now the association, which employs eighty staff in repair work, are looking at new measures to claw back some more cash. Under the rules of the tenancy agreement the tenant is bound to keep the property in a reasonable condition and also leave the property clean and tidy when they come to the end of a tenancy. They can also be charged for any damage they have caused to a property. Importantly, under the new policy tenants could be charged for damage to any of the fixtures and fittings, both internal and external, if it cannot be attributed to fair wear and tear. Tenants could also be charged for acts of wilful or accidental damage caused by a pet or visitor to the home.
Chris Wells, a North Lincolnshire Homes resident on the Lilywood estate in Broughton, said: “The price increases are unfair but that is the way things are now. It is a sign of how things are going as prices are increasing everywhere. I prefer to do repair jobs myself as if I contact North Lincolnshire Homes for help it takes at least six months before anybody comes out. I needed my windows replaced last month and I had to wait for months before anything was done.”
The Housing Association also plans to charge anyone who fails to maintain the garden to an acceptable standard and clearing any blockages from sinks, baths and toilets. Tenants will be given a 10% discount if they pay the charge within four weeks. The Properties are all protected by landlord insurance quotes and will be inspected annually to see if they are in good shape. Most residents believe the new policy will mean their districts will benefit and that only those with anti social tendencies will suffer.