The responsibility for care and maintenance of your home is shared. We are responsible for day-today repairs arising through fair wear and tear, and also for the structure and exterior redecoration of your home.
You are responsible for any repairs which come about as a result of something you, your family or visitors do. For example, you must pay for broken windows, lost keys and broken bathroom fittings. It is advised that you leave a spare key with a trusted friend or neighbour.
We are not responsible for damage to, or loss of, your own belongings including furniture, carpets, clothing and other household effects. You are therefore strongly advised to take out your own insurance to cover these items.
We have made arrangements for tenants to have the option of household insurance through a nominated insurer and make premium payments through an addition to their weekly rent.
Please see the section headed ‘Insurance’ in this handbook for further details.
Home Improvements
You may make improvements to your home, but you should seek our written permission first. We will not unreasonably withhold our consent and we can point out any other permissions that you may require and any other pitfalls to avoid, such as obtaining Planning Permission or Building Regulation approval from Test Valley Borough Council where required.
An information leaflet ‘Improving your home’ gives further details of what steps you should take. This can be obtained from the Reception area or will be sent to you if you request one.
Following your improvement we may become responsible for maintaining the new fixtures and fittings, therefore we have to set certain standards and conditions when giving permission for you to make improvements.
We would also like to check the work when it is completed. We will not set unreasonable conditions when giving permission, nor will we refuse permission unreasonably, or without giving reasons for the refusal.
If you move following a substantial improvement, for example, after installing central heating, or building a garage or extension, you may be eligible for some reimbursement, provided you have received the necessary permissions before undertaking the work.
Details of this reimbursement scheme are available from the repairs section.
Satellite Dishes and Cable Services
Please contact us first before you install a satellite dish, as you will need our permission. Depending upon where you plan to install the dish, Planning Permission may also be required. Cable services are available in most parts of Andover and Romsey, providing television and telephone services.
Redecorations for the Elderly or Disabled
Testway operates a redecoration scheme for those tenants who are over 70 years old or disabled and who are unable to carry out this work for themselves, and having no family or friends to assist them. Funds for this work are limited and so we keep a waiting list.