The right to repair scheme ensures that you have emergency or urgent repairs costing under £250 completed quickly.

Emergency repairs must be completed within one day, urgent repairs within four days. You may get compensation if these time limits aren't met. Contact a local advice agency if you feel you are entitled to compensation.

• What types of repairs are included?
  
• What happens after I report the repair?
  
• What happens if the work isn't completed on time?
  
• What if the work still isn't completed?
  
• When doesn't the 'right to repair' scheme apply?
  
• Can I carry out the repairs and then bill the Housing Executive?
  

What types of repairs are included?

The right to repair scheme only covers emergency and urgent repairs. Your local Housing Executive District Office can give you more information on whether you qualify for the 'right to repair' scheme.

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What happens after I report the repair?

The Housing Executive will tell you:

• the name of the contractor who will carry out the work,
• when the work will be completed.

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What happens if the work isn't completed on time?

Contact your District Office if the work isn't completed on time. You can ask the Housing Executive to get another contractor to carry out repairs. The Housing Executive will give you a new date when the work will be completed:

• one day for an emergency repair,
• four days for urgent repairs.

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What if the work still isn't completed?

You may be entitled to £10 compensation if the work isn't completed by the deadline. You can then get a further £2 per day until the repair is completed. There is a limit of £50 compensation.

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When doesn't the 'right to repair' scheme apply?

The 'right to repair' scheme doesn't apply if:

• it is a routine repair,
• you have told the Housing Executive that you don't want the repair carried out,
• you haven't allowed the Housing Executive to inspect your home,
• you haven't allowed the contractor access to your home,
• the delay isn't the Housing Executive's fault, for example, severe weather or lack of parts.

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Can I carry out the repairs and then bill the Housing Executive?

You usually can't carry out repairs or ask a contractor to carry out repairs and then send the Housing Executive the bill. You shouldn't withhold your rent. You can be evicted easily if you don't pay your rent.

You must use the Housing Executive complaints procedure if you are unhappy with the service you have received from the Housing Executive.

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