Croydon Council Repairs

shannianni

hi all I wonder if you could give me some advice please.


the kitchen strip light in our rented Croydon council house does not work just buzzes, I replaced the light tube and starter but it still does not light up, I rang the repairs department and they say it is our responsibility the replace the unit as well, is this true as I thought yes the bulbs and starter would be our responsibility but the whole unit, surely that is their property and their fittings, the tenancy sheet says this


Interior:

• clearing all blocked internal waste pipes and traps
• replacing light bulbs, electrical fuses and plug tops as necessary
• replacing strip lighting and light bulbs in sealed bathroom units
• repairing and replacing all internal door hinges, locks and brackets
• repairing and replacing internal door frames and skirting boards
• repairing and replacing all kitchen cupboards
• replacing any cracked or broken glass to both the interior and exterior of the property (if you are unable to provide a crime reference number)
• minor repairs to flooring, including tiles and other floor coverings
• minor repairs to plaster
• repairs to minor cracks in ceiling
• replacing waste plugs and chains for sinks, basins and baths
• repairing and replacing all damaged coat hooks and rails, curtain fittings and any shelving or clothes-airers
• replacing damaged or unserviceable toilet seats, insulation jackets to hot water cylinders or tanks
• tiling to walls in kitchens and bathrooms or tiles to hearths and fire surrounds
• keeping all chimneys and solid fuel boiler flues regularly swept (at least once a year) and free from obstruction
• maintaining any gas and electric appliances which you have fitted
• regularly checking and replacing any smoke detectors fitted in the property

I'm not an electrician and wouldn't undertake this as I may do more damage,


many thanks for your time

BigAunty

It says the tenant is responsible for replacing the strip lighting in the bathroom so I'm not sure why they've forgotten to make the clause cover all lighting units in every room or this can be interpreted as the council must sort them.

If you are worried about the work, seek out a NICEIC accredited electrician (to avoid Cowboys) - you can find one on their webiste.

Otherwise, go through their internal complaints procedure and if you aren't happy with the outcome, find the next organisation up to seek redress (may be the local authority ombudsman or similar, perhaps another poster will know).

BigAunty

Also, Shelter or Citizens advice bureau may be able to advise, either through knowledge of the law or being able to scrutinise your full contract.