Social Rented Housing: Repairs and Maintenance
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will commission independent research into the extent to which repairs to (a) lifts, (b) door entry systems and (c) other communal elements covered by social landlord's annual service charges are being re-charged directly to tenants.
Answered by Matthew Pennycook
The Government’s policy statement on social housing rents states that Registered Providers of social housing are expected to set reasonable and transparent service charges for tenants that reflect the service being provided. Registered Providers are expected to supply tenants with clear information about how service charges are set, and to consult with tenants if any new or extended services are introduced.
Where there are concerns about the calculation, collection or communication of service charges, tenants may ask the Housing Ombudsman to investigate their complaint.
Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →