What is a Section 11 repair?
What is a Section 11 repair? If you live in social housing provided by a local council or housing association in England or Wales, you have certain rights when it comes to repairs and maintenance to your home. One of the most important rights for tenants is the right to request repairs under Section 11 of the Housing Act 2004. In this blog post, we’ll explain exactly what Section 11 means and how you can use it to get repairs done in your social housing property.
What is Section 11 of the Housing Act 2004?
Section 11 places a legal duty on social landlords in England and Wales to keep the structure and exterior of their properties in good repair. This includes drains, gutters, external pipes, the roof, outside walls, outside doors, windowsills, window catches, sash cords and window frames.
As a tenant, if any part of the structure or exterior of your home is faulty or damaged, you have the right to request a repair under Section 11. Your landlord is legally obliged to fix the issue within a reasonable amount of time.
How to Request Repair:
If you need a Section 11 repair done in your social housing property, the process is straightforward:
- Contact your landlord (council or housing association) directly and explain the fault. Specify that you are requesting the repair under Section 11 of the Housing Act 2004.
- Your landlord will arrange an inspection to assess the damage. Take photos to show the issues if possible.
- Once approved, your landlord will organize for the repair to be carried out by a contractor. They must do this within a reasonable timeframe.
- Follow up if the work is not done promptly or if you have any other issues. Your landlord is obliged to complete Section 11 repairs.
Getting repairs done quickly is crucial for your comfort and safety. Understanding your Section 11 rights as a social housing tenant makes it easier to get action when faults occur. If you have any difficulties, contact your local council or Tenants’ Union for advice and support.
Important links
Housing Disrepair Advice: https://housingdisrepairadvice.org/contact
Housing Ombudsman: https://www.housing-ombudsman.org.uk/
