Routine and Major repairs
Repairs that do not fit the criteria of emergency works, but which would cause disrepair if left, are categorised as routine repairs. A routine repair can be minor or major, depending on the amount of work required.
Where the repair cost is under the delegated authority limit, works will proceed to carry out the repair. Where the repair costs are over the delegated authority limit, the Factoring Service will consult with homeowners with a liability for their share of the repair.
Further information on the delegated authority limit can be found within Fife Council’s Factoring Service’s written statement of services.
Examples of shared common repairs include:
- Repairs to the door entry system (non-emergency)
- Cleaning to guttering where moss has gathered
- Damaged roof tiles which need to be replaced
- Leaking rhones
- Faulty door closer on the communal door
Examples of emergency repairs include:
- Close lights not working and leaving the stairwell in darkness
- A roof tile that has broken and is in danger of falling or letting in water
- A loose rhone hanging over doorways and common paths
- Burst pipes within the communal area
How to report a common repair
A shared repair can be reported by a homeowner or by a Fife Council tenant.
When reporting a shared repair, it's important that you give as much information as possible. You should be prepared to give the following details:
- Your name and contact details
- Full address including postcode
- Block or close detail if necessary
- Location of laundrette or bin store if necessary
- Full detail of the repair
This information will assist staff in processing the repair. Please advise that you are reporting a repair with shared responsibility.
There are various ways to report repairs:
- Non-emergency (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm) - see our Housing Repairs page
- Emergency (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm) - 03451 55 00 11
- Emergency (6pm to 8am, including weekends and public holidays) - 03451 55 00 99
- Telephone Factoring Services - 03451 555 555, extension 444504 (during office hours)
- Email: factoring@fife.gov.uk or mutual.owners@fife.gov.uk (These email addresses are for shared repairs only)
What happens next?
When a non-emergency shared repair is reported to us, and the cost is above the delegated authority limit, we need to get agreement from a majority of the homeowners before we can carry out work. The Housing Management Officer will follow the steps detailed:
- Repair will be inspected by a Housing Management Officer from the Factoring and Mutual Owners Team to establish the nature of the repair
- The Housing Management Officer will obtain costs for the repair
- All homeowners with a shared liability will be notified of the repair and all costs associated with the repair, including a ballot paper to return. A 'majority agreement' for non-emergency repairs is required before repairs can go ahead
- Following majority agreement the shared repair will be carried out by the appointed contractor
- Completed repairs will be inspected by the Housing Management Officer to ensure that the repair has been carried out to satisfaction
Where the cost of the repair is below the delegated authority limit, these repairs do not require any consultation with homeowners and the repair will be authorised with all homeowners becoming liable for their share of the costs. The cost of the repair will be included in the biannual factoring service invoice.
Where an emergency repair is reported, we'll carry out the works without consultation with homeowners. This is to make sure there's no risk to the health and safety of residents and/or to avoid serious damage to the building or structure. The minimum work required to make safe will be undertaken and all homeowners with a liability will be issued with an invoice for the work, Information on your responsibilities can be found within your title deeds.
