Maintenance

First Choice is responsible for keeping the structure of our properties in good condition. This includes the inside and outside of our homes including drains, repairing gutters, rainwater pipes, gas and plumbing systems, baths, toilets, heating, and hot water supplies.

The Getting Things Fixed File

Each property is issued a “Getting Things Fixed” file. The file outlines the maintenance service that tenants can expect from the Association. Our out of hours call handlers can arrange repairs in

your area. Just call our landline

The file is reviewed regularly in conjunction with tenants to ensure it is accessible and also to improve our tenant's knowledge of the maintenance service we provide.

Types Of Repairs

Repairs are categorised in the following:

Asbestos Information

Emergency

Emergency repairs are repairs which may cause harm to our tenants or may seriously damage their home. These should be fixed within 24 hours

General Repairs

Appointments for all other routine repairs excluding emergency repairs will be made on a morning or afternoon basis on a day that is convenient to our tenants and a s quickly as possible, First Choice maintenance staff will arrange for the contractor to call and they will confirm all appointments with tenants.

Programmed Major Repairs

These are the planned replacement of large items in the home like kitchens, boilers, and windows and doors.

View the Recharge Policy

We plan the renewal of these items in advance to ensure we have the budget to replace the item when needed, using a comprehensive stock condition survey system that is regularly updated.

Regular maintenance and asbestos surveys are carried out at each property to check the condition of these items.

Satisfaction

First Choice monitors the satisfaction of our maintenance service through Tenant satisfaction surveys. These are issued with every repair job. We ask tenants for their opinion on the job and the contractor. This allows us to monitor how we are doing and also our contractors’ performance.

First Choice also complete follow up phone calls after general repairs are carried out. This allows First Choice to ensure appointments are being kept and find out how happy tenants are with our contractors work.

Who does the repairs and maintenance?

The Association has a list of approved contractors who carry out maintenance and servicing works on our properties.

If you are a contractor that would like to be considered for addition to our approved contractors please contact First Choice.

All contractors must sign a “Code of Conduct” before they can carry out work for the Association. This outlines what the Association expects of them and includes being polite and helpful when they are working in our properties, producing identification, and carrying out work safely at the properties and adhering to our Single Equality Scheme.

First Choice staff carry out maintenance inspections on all of our properties on an annual basis. We check that all homes are in good condition. If there is any work required First Choice will arrange for it to be completed.

First Choice is responsible for the external decoration of our properties. This is completed on a rolling programme every five years.

Tenants are responsible for decorating their own bedrooms. The support Providers are responsible for ensuring communal areas are decorated including the bathroom, kitchen, hall, lounge, and dining room. The cost of this is covered in the service charge which is included in the rent.

Inspections

Decoration

First Choice is responsible for the external decoration of our properties. This is completed on a rolling programme every five years.

Tenants are responsible for decorating their own bedrooms. The support Providers are responsible for ensuring communal areas are decorated including the bathroom, kitchen, hall, lounge and dining room. The cost of this is covered in the service charge which is included in the rent.