Home Owners - Help paying for repairs
Some retired home owners have problems getting repairs done. You can get help from Care & Repair (external website) or from the Staying Put Project - part of Anchor Housing Association (external website). These projects will:
- Check if you are entitled to any grants, loans or support
- Help you apply for it.
- Help you organise repair work with builders.
- Oversee the repair work while it takes place.
Note: there may be a small fee payable for some repair services - it depends on the job. You will be informed of any charges.
Care & Repair covers North, Central and East Manchester - ring them on 872 5500.
Staying Put covers Manchester South of the City Centre - ring them on 872 7622.
I rent my home - how can I get repairs done?
If you rent your home your landlord is responsible for repairs to the structure, exterior and installations. This normally includes the roof, walls, floors, windows, gutters, pipes, drains, plumbing, gas piping, fixed heaters, water heaters and electrical wiring. Check your tenancy agreement to see if you have extra rights of repair in addition to this basic list. Normally it is up to you to repair furniture and fittings that you have added.
When a repair needs doing you must inform the landlord. It is a good idea to put it in writing and keep a copy of the letter.
If your landlord does not do repairs once you have told them, you can get advice about how to tackle this. There is quite a lot that can be done, depending on the nature of the disrepair. This includes negotiating with your landlord, getting Environmental Health involved and taking your landlord to court. The kind of tenancy you have will affect which options are best for you, so it is a good idea to get advice before you take action yourself.
Small repairs and odd jobs
Care & Repair and Anchor Staying Put run "Handy Help" schemes that can undertake small repairs and basic safety measures or fix things around the home. This is for Manchester residents aged 60 or over, home owners and tenants alike. Phone: 872 5500 in North, Central and East Manchester, or 860 0895 in South Manchester. Care and Repair and Anchor Staying Put also provide a Manchester Independent Living Scheme, covering several districts in Manchester. It offers short term practical help for older people who want to stay in their home.
Decorating
You may be able to get help with decorating, subject to the availability of volunteers, from Student Action Manchester at Manchester University, phone 275 2948.
Need more help? Live in Manchester? Send us an email
Information Provider:
Manchester Advice
Date Written:
September 2005
Date Reviewed:
8 August 2006
This information is for guidance only and is not an authoritative statement on the law. Please read our Terms and Conditions.
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