Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council
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Responsibility for repairs

Responsibility for repairs - Council or tenants?

Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council and its tenants share responsibility for maintaining homes so they remain safe, warm and in good condition.

We will try and explain which repairs we are responsible for and which responsibilities fall to tenants, based on the Housing Repairs Policy 2026

Council responsibilities

  • The council is responsible for maintaining and repairing:
    • Structure and exterior
    • Roofs, walls, chimneys, external doors and windows
    • Gutters, downpipes, fascias and soffits
    • Drains and pathways providing essential access
    • Boundary fences and walls adjoining public areas
  • Essential services and installations:
    • Water supply pipework, tanks and hot water systems
    • Gas pipework and heating systems
    • Electrical wiring, sockets, consumer units
    • Boilers, fireplaces, council fitted showers
    • Baths, sinks, toilets, waste pipes and flushing systems
  • Communal areas - the council maintains all communal areas. Tenants must not store person belongings in these areas without approval:
    • Shared stairwells, lighting, lifts and communal gardens
    • Communal TV aerials
  • Health and safety compliance
    • Annual gas servicing
    • Five year electrical testing
    • Fire safety checks
  • Asbestos, legionella and lift safety compliance
    • Other council responsibilities
    • Maintaining council provided garages and sheds (where economically viable)
    • Working with pest control to address vermin issues
    • Insuring the building (tenants still need contents insurance)

Recharges

Tenants may be recharged for repairs caused by:

  • Negligence or misuse
  • Damage not caused by normal wear and tear
  • Missed appointments
  • Lost keys
  • Unauthorised alterations

Tenant responsibilities

  • Tenants are responsible for the following:
    • Reporting and access
    • Reporting repairs as soon as possible
    • Allowing access for repairs, inspections, and safety checks
    • Keeping appointments or informing the council if they need to reschedule
  • Minor repairs and everyday items - tenants must repair/replace items such as:
    • Individual TV aerials
    • Lost keys or lock changes
    • Internal decoration
    • Curtain rails and blinds
    • Sink/bath plugs and chains
    • Toilet seats
    • Light bulbs, plugs and fuses
  • Home care
    • Keeping gardens tidy and rubbish-free
    • Preventing blockages (for example, not flushing wipes, oils or rubbish)
    • Managing condensation and reporting damp/mould early
    • Keeping escape routes clear
    • Using flammable materials safely
    • Maintaining a clean and tidy home
  • Alterations
    • Asking for written permission before making any alterations
    • Using qualified contractors for approved works
    • Being liable for repairs to unauthorised changes or tenant-installed items

To read more about responsibilities of the council or tenants, you can view our full Housing Repairs Policy 2026

If you would like to discuss any of this information you have read with us, please contact the Repairs Helpdesk on 01455 238141 option 1 between 8:30am and 5pm Monday to Thursday, and 8:30am to 4:30pm on Fridays. Alternatively, complete our repairs contact form

Last updated: 17/04/2026 12:36