The Housing Improvement and Repair Service is responsible for replacing or repairing items that were part of the premises when a tenancy started if they are damaged through normal wear and tear. The work is done at no extra cost to the tenant living in the property.

If the previous tenant has changed the property in any way, the new tenant will be asked to take on responsibility for maintaining the alterations or additional items.

If items listed under tenants' responsibilities are damaged as the result of a repair by one of our workers they will be repaired by the Adults and Housing Department at no cost to the tenant.

The Adults and Housing Department is responsible for the main structure of our properties, and will repair major items such as:

- Foundations.
- External walls, doors and doorframes.
- Window frames.
- Roofs, gutters, rainwater pipes and drainage.
- Water services.
- Electrical and gas services.
- Central heating and hot water systems.
- Communal areas (such as lifts and stairs) in multi-occupied buildings.

The City Council is responsible for insulating the tanks and pipe-work in the loft against frost.

Council tenants are responsible for making sure that outside toilets are properly protected during the winter, and for taking other normal precautions around your home during cold weather. For example:

- Leaving the plugs in sinks and hand basins.
- Making sure there are no dripping taps.
- Sprinkling salt in the pan of outside toilets.
- Keeping some background heating on.

The City Council is not responsible for any repair or replacement caused by tenants' neglect during cold weather.

As a council tenant, if you are going on holiday during the winter you can ask the council to drain down your hot and cold water systems, so they cannot freeze up. Phone the repairs call centre on (0116) 252 7007 to book this free service.