Our Policies

1          Statement of Intent

1.1        The purpose of this policy is to set out how we (Square Roots) will respond to and manage complaints in a fair and consistent way.

1.2        Our aim will always be to resolve complaints as quickly as possible by taking an open, accountable and outcome focused approach.

1.3       We recognise that complaints represent an opportunity to rebuild trust with our customers as well as providing us with opportunities to learn and make service improvements. The Executive Team reviews complaints and their responses to ensure they meet the requirements of the policy. 

1.4       We also like to know when we have done something well and exceeded your expectations. Therefore, we also monitor and respond to compliments that come into the organisation. 

2          Outline of Policy

Definition of a complaint

2.1        We adopt the Housing Ombudsman’s definition of a complaint as follows:

‘An Expression of dissatisfaction, however made, about the standard of service, actions, or lack of action by the organisation, its own staff, or those acting on its behalf, affecting an individual resident or group of residents.’

2.2       A customer does not have to use the word ‘complaint’ for it to be treated as such.

Definition of a service request

2.3       We adopt the Housing Ombudsman definition of a service request as follows:

            ‘A service request is a request from a resident to the landlord requiring action to be taken to put something right. Service requests are not complaints, but must be recorded, monitored and reviewed regularly.’

2.4       Service requests will be recorded, monitored and reviewed. If a customer registers dissatisfaction with the handling or outcome of the service request, then this will be logged as a complaint. The service request will still be progressed to completion.

Exclusions

2.2       The following matters are not classed as complaints under this policy:

• Reports of anti-social behaviour or harassment, which are covered by separate policies.

• A service request e.g., a repair request.

• Survey feedback e.g., from information you provide from our nominated feedback provider.

• Complaints about services not authorised by Square Roots.

• Where legal proceedings (by or against Square Roots), including personal injury accident claims have been initiated the case will be dealt with separately under a separate policy.

• Complaints about any policy, process or rule of law will likely be excluded however Square Roots will review the application of these in relation to each complaint and then decide whether it is excluded or not.

2.3       We will only investigate complaints relating to our services that have been provided within the previous twelve months. However, we will review historical concerns if there is evidence of a recurring problem and will also take into consideration any circumstances that may have prevented a complaint from being raised earlier.

2.4       Exclusions will not be applied using a blanket approach, each case will be reviewed on a case by case basis, looking at the individual’s circumstances. If a complaint is not accepted by Square Roots a formal explanation setting out the reason for the decision will be provided. They have the right to take this decision to the Housing Ombudsman, who have the right to overturn the decision.

2.5       Decisions on whether an exclusion applies will be made by the Customer Service Manager and signed off by the Head of Compliance and Customer Services or the Managing Director. 

Scope of Policy

2.5       This policy extends to all our customers including individuals (or their advocates), groups of people or organisations who pay for, receive services from or hold reasonable expectations of the organisation as a service provider.

2.6       Members of the public may also complain if they are directly affected by something that the organisation has done or is planning to do. Members of the public who do not meet the definition in 2.1 do not have an automatic right to access the Housing Ombudsman with their complaint. We will address and resolve their complaint to the best of our ability as outlined in the policy.

2.7       Former tenants who contact us within twelve months of their tenancy ending will also be able to raise complaints in line with this policy.

2.8       Complaints received via MPs or local Councillors will be assessed in line with our definition of a complaint and dealt with accordingly. Whilst respecting the role played by MPs and local Councillors, this will not lead to a complaint being “fast-tracked”.

Complaint Process

2.9       We will deal with each complaint case on its merits and where necessary manage the complaint under a different but relevant policy or procedure. We will make this clear to you following our initial assessments of the complaint.

2.10     Complaints and compliments can be made in different ways:

• By emailing: [email protected]

• By calling: 0333 666 0102

• In writing, addressed to Customer Services Manager at:

Square Roots Registered Provider Ltd

1 York Road

Uxbridge

UX8 1RN 

2.11      All complaints however made will be processed in line with this policy and the time frames set out in 2.14 below. All complaints will be acknowledged and logged within 5 days.

2.12      We will always aim to resolve any issues without needing to raise a formal complaint. However, you will always have the right to enter your concerns into our formal process if that is your preferred option.

2.13     We set out clear timeframes for responding to complaints and how a complaint can be escalated. 

2.14     We have a two stage complaint process:

Who Can/Cannot Make a Complaint

2.15     Anyone can make a complaint about the service, we or anyone working for us provide. However, we may not be able to share some information under GDPR, unless that person is an advocate with relevant permissions.

2.16     We treat complaints received through petitions or a group of residents in the same way as all other complaints. However, we will ask for a single point of contact to improve efficiency.  

3          Putting Things Right

3.1       Where something has gone wrong will acknowledge this and set out actions we have taken or intend to take to put it right. This may include:

• Apologising

• Acknowledging where things have gone wrong

• Providing an explanation, assistance or reasons

• Taking action if there has been delay

• Reconsidering or changing a decision

• Amending a record or adding a correction or addendum

• Providing financial remedy

• Changing policies, procedures or practices.

3.2       Any remedy offered and will reflect the impact on the resident, focusing on putting things right, for example fixing an outstanding repair and apologising for a delay and acknowledging any shortfalls. 

4          Compliments

4.1       We accept the Cambridge Dictionary definition of a compliment: “a remark that expresses approval, admiration or respect.”

Compliment Process

4.2       You can send us compliments via the following channels:

• By emailing: [email protected]

• Our website: https://squareroots.co.uk

• Phone, by calling 0333 666 0102

• In Writing addressed to Customer Services Manager at

Square Roots Registered Provider Ltd

1 York Road

Uxbridge

UX8 1RN

4.3       When we receive a compliment, we acknowledge the same and inform the individual or team to whom it relates. 

4.4       We monitor the volume of compliments received and report on it quarterly alongside our complaint reporting.

5          Diversity and Inclusion

5.1       In line with our Diversity and Inclusion commitments all complainants will be treated fairly, equally and with respect regardless of their gender, race, age, disability, faith, marital status, sexual orientation, or other distinction.

5.2       Reasonable adjustments in line with the Equalities Act such as accessibility to discuss complaints of information in a different format e.g., large print, audio tape, an alternative language, with staff and or where the provision services of a translator are required can be provided upon request.

5.3       If we feel that you require support, we may signpost you to agencies such as Citizens Advice to help facilitate a resolution. 

6          Unreasonable or Persistent Complainants

6.1       We expect all customers to behave reasonably and cooperate with us throughout the process. 

6.2       If you raise multiple complaints at the same time, we will provide you with one case number and point of contact, where possible. If you raise further concerns when we have already issued a response, or it would unreasonably delay our response, we will log and provide a new case number. 

6.3       We will aim to resolve the complaint in line with our timeframe in section 2.14 above. 

6.4       All forms of unreasonable behaviour will be covered under our Unacceptable Behaviour Policy. 

7          Social Media

7.1       If you contact us with an enquiry or complaint on social media, we will ask you to send us a private message with further details. We will also ask for information to allow us to find you on our systems (e.g., name, address, contact details).

7.2       We will never discuss anything sensitive or reveal personal information in a public message on our social media channels.

8          Complaint Closure

8.1       Following completion of an investigation and sending a written response your complaint will be closed. We will attempt to make contact with you within 10 working days of sending your complaint response to discuss.

8.2       We may close a complaint even if actions are outstanding, such as a repair, as long as we have provided clear guidance and timelines on what will happen next. 

9          Housing Ombudsman Service

9.1       If you remain dissatisfied with the outcome of your Complaint you have the right to contact the Housing Ombudsman Service (HOS).

9.2       As a member of the HOS (as required by the Housing Act 1996 (amended by the Housing Regeneration Act 2008)) we will cooperate fully with the Ombudsman making all files and records available on request. Actions required because of any determinations will be overseen by either the Managing Director or the relevant Director supported by organisations staff as required. We will ensure full compliance of the Ombudsman’s “Final Destination” barring any exceptional circumstances.

9.3       Square Roots follow the HOS Complaint Handling Code (the Code). The purpose of the code is to enable landlords, such as Square Roots, to review their current complaints procedure and performance in relation to customers and to identify areas for improvement to ensure complaints are dealt with quickly and efficiently.

9.4       You can contact the Ombudsman at any time during the complaint process:

            Telephone: 0300 111 3000

Website: https://www.housing-ombudsman.org.uk/

Email: [email protected]

Post: Housing Ombudsman Service, PO Box 152, Liverpool, L33 7WQ

10        Member Enquiries

10.1     We manage Member Enquiries (from MPs or Councillors) in the same way we would manage an enquiry from our customer. For example, if it is a first time request for a service, it will be treated as a service request. 

10.2     Member Enquiries that express dissatisfaction with a service will be logged as a stage one complaint in line with our policy. 

11        Value for Money

11.1      All complaint responses will be subject to review by the Customer Services Team, who will ensure that potential opportunities for improvement are identified. Service Managers are responsible for developing and implementing improvement work discovered during a complaint investigation. We will publish learnings outcomes from complaints as part of our annual value for money resident report, on our website

11.2      In certain cases, there may be times when residents or customers may suffer some disadvantage or loss because of actions, errors or mistakes made by the organisation. In these instances, compensation may be considered. 

11.3      We will regularly review the cost and quality of the complaints handling service and seek efficiencies. To assist with this process, we will obtain relevant benchmarking information provided by other housing providers.

12        Consultation

12.1      The executive team will review this policy to the dates outlined below and consider any feedback from resident’s reviews and surveys.

13        Surveys

13.1      An expression of dissatisfaction with services made through a survey is not defined as a complaint.

13.2     Wherever possible, the person completing the survey should be made aware of how they can pursue a complaint if they wish to.

14        How will the policy be implemented?

14.1      All staff across the organisation are responsible for the implementation of this policy, and implementing lessons learnt.

14.2     Square Roots have a complaints officer, the Head of Compliance & Customer Services who is responsible. 

14.3     We will engage with our customers, the Housing Ombudsman and maintain relevant compliance under the current legislation (see Section 12).

14.4     Completing regular training and lessons learnt, which support Square Roots’ staff to achieve the policy aims and improve services for customers.   

14.5     This policy will be publicised on Square Roots’ website and customer portal, as well as given to new customers at move in. 

15        Monitoring

15.1      This policy will be reviewed in line with any changes in legislation, regulation, residents’ feedback, and sector best practice.

15.2     Performance measures and targets have been developed to help determine the efficiency and effectiveness of the organisation’s complaint service. Internal and external feedback will be used to obtain complaints performance information and identify progress and service improvements. Square Roots will work with the Member Responsible for Complaints (MRC), who is responsible for ensuring that complaint handling drives service improvement for our customers and learning for business improvement for the organisation. Square Roots’ MRC is a Non-Executive Member of the Board. 

These will be reported to senior management within the organisation and 

its Board. The Board will receive 6 monthly reports detailing the volume of complaints received, at which stage they were resolved, and any trends or themes within the complaints.

15        Review

An annual self-assessment will be conducted against the requirements of the Housing Ombudsman’s Complaint Handling Code or following a significant restructure and/or change in policy or procedures. This self-assessment will be published on our website alongside our Annual Complaint Performance and Service Improvement Report. This report details our complaint performance, determinations form the Ombudsman, as well as details of any lessons learnt. 

This policy will also be formally reviewed every three years by the board subject to significant changes in legislation, regulation or governance arrangements that require an immediate update. 

16        Legislation relevant to this policy and other documents

• The Housing Act 1996

• The Housing and Regeneration Act 2008

• The Localism Act 2011

• Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)

• Equality Act 2010

• Membership of the Housing Ombudsman Scheme is mandatory

• Tenant and Involvement Empowerment Standards

Adopted:                              5^th October 2021

Reviewed:                            8^th September 2022

Reviewed:                            8^th February 2023

Reviewed:                            19^th March 2024

Reviewed:                            21^st February 2025

Next Review:                       February 2028
 

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Square Roots operates a zero tolerance of all forms of abuse and acknowledges that it is has a legal and moral responsibility to protect children and adults from abuse, neglect, and harm. We actively work to safeguard children, young people and vulnerable adults from harm by working with statutory agencies to ensure the safety and wellbeing of its customers within the locality.

1.2 Safeguarding means protecting a person’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. The Care Act 2014 and The Children Act 2004 makes it clear that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and that all professionals must work in partnership.

1.3 Square Roots does not provide specialist accommodation, such as sheltered accommodation, but Square Roots staff are likely to encounter vulnerable adults and/or children as part of their normal duties.

1.4 A vulnerable adult and child at risk may become at risk of abuse because of their
needs for care and support and is experiencing, or at risk of abuse and neglect. As a
result of those needs, they are unable to protect themselves from either the risk of, or
the experience of, abuse and neglect.

1.5 This policy draws on the relevant legislation and guidance on safeguarding and sets
out Square Roots’ aims, role and responsibilities for ensuring effective safeguarding in
partnership with other agencies. It includes:

• Definitions of safeguarding and those who may be at risk
• Types of abuse, who and where
• Our aims, responsibilities, and prevention of abuse
• Responsibilities of others
• How Square Roots will respond, record, and report instances of abuse and
  neglect
• How we will share information and work with others.

2 AIMS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

2.1 The aims of this policy and procedure are:

• To specify the steps Square Roots will take to protect its customers from all
  forms of abuse
• To ensure that all staff and volunteers are aware of the actions they should take
  if they have concerns about the possible abuse of a vulnerable customer
• To outline how Square Roots will respond, record, report instances of abuse and share information with others

2.2 We will work within the framework of the six pillars that underpin safeguarding.

• Empowerment: People being supported and encouraged to make their own
  decisions and informed consent
• Prevention: it is better to take action before harm occurs
• Proportionality: The least intrusive response appropriate to the risk presented
• Protection: support and representation for those in greatest need
• Partnership: Local solutions through services working with their communities. Communities have a part to play in preventing, detecting and reporting neglect and abuse
• Accountability: accountability and transparency in delivering safeguarding

2.4 All staff have the responsibility to:

• Provide all customers with high quality of service. This includes following agreed ways of working, such as policies and procedures, code of conduct and risk assessments
• Stop any abusive or harmful actions, provided it is safe to do so.
• Communicate sensitively with a child or vulnerable adult who discloses abuse to you
• Never agree to keep abuse secret
• Report any concerns about abuse, or possible abuse, even if you are not sure whether abuse has taken place
• Co-operate in any investigation into alleged abuse
• Participate in relevant training.

2.5 Square Roots supports open culture in which concerns can be raised and explored. Staff will be supported if they raise concerns in good faith, even if an investigation concludes that abuse has not taken place.

2.7 Where abuse is suspected, and the safety or wellbeing of the child, unborn baby or vulnerable adult is at risk. Square Roots will not tolerate:

• Vexatious allegations: this is where someone makes an allegation, they know to
  be false
• A failure to report possible abuse, for instance through misplaced loyalty to
  colleagues

Either of these may lead to disciplinary action and/or legal action such as criminal proceeding.

2.8 The Designated Safeguarding Lead is the Head of Compliance and Customer Services, who is responsible for ensuring that this policy, associated guidance and procedures are implemented and embedded across Square Roots and those providing services to our customers.

2.9 Square Roots recognise that safeguarding is achieved through good joint working with other agencies, organisations, and local authorities. As a provider of social housing and support services we will build and maintain partnerships and effective referral procedures.

3 RESPONSIBILITIES OF OTHERS

3.1 Managing agencies providing support services will be expected to have their own equivalent safeguarding policies in place. Their responsibilities in this regard will be managed through the contractual relationship with Square Roots. Agencies are required to report concerns to the local authority.

3.2 Contractors working on behalf of Square Roots may encounter evidence of abuse and neglect within the property. A vulnerable customer may also choose to disclose incidents, so awareness in sensitively preserving or taking evidence and handling reports will be necessary. Contractor organisations will be expected to comply with their own or Square Roots’ Safeguarding policy.

3.3 Contracts must ensure that staff receive suitable training on how to deal with customers, including how to report any concerns.

3.4 Square Roots will monitor the performance of contactors, compliance with safeguarding policy and safeguarding concerns via contract meetings.

4. SAFEGUARIDNG CHILDREN

4.1 A child is anyone who is under the age of 18. A young person or care leaver is anyone over the age of 18 but is still receiving support from children services.

4.2 In the government guidance ‘Working together to Safeguard Children’ (2018) safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is defined as:

• Protecting children from maltreatment
• Preventing impairment of children’s health and development
• Ensuring that children are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care.
• Taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes

4.3 Providing early intervention is crucial in safeguarding children and requires all staff to understand their role in identifying emerging problems and sharing information with other professionals.

4.4 All employees must ensure they are particularly vigilant to the potential need for early
intervention for a child who:

• Is disabled and has specific additional needs
• Has special educational needs
• Is a young carer
• Is showing signs of engaging in anti-social or criminal behaviour.
• Is in a family circumstance presenting challenges for the child, such as substance abuse, mental health, or domestic violence.

5. SAFEGUARDING ADULTS

5.1 The Care Act 2014 defines safeguarding adults as protecting their right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect and promoting wellbeing. It is aimed at people with care and support needs who may be in vulnerable circumstances and at risk of harm, abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

5.2 The Care Act 2014 states that organisations should not limit their view of what constitutes abuse or neglect, as they can take many forms and the circumstances of the individual case should also be considered.

5.3 Safeguarding duties apply to an adult who:

• Has needs for care and support
• Is experiencing, or at risk of abuse or neglect
• As a result of these care and support needs is unable to protect themselves from either the risk or of the experience of abuse/neglect

5.4 All staff must ensure they are particularly vigilant to adults who maybe more at risk of
abuse because they are:

• Elderly or frail
• Have a physical disability, sensory impairment, or a long-term support need

6. TYPES OR ABUSE

6.1 Abuse is something that is done to another person that harms them in some way.
Incidents of abuse may be one-off or multiple acts over time.

6.2 Repeated incidents of poor care may be an indication of a more serious problem.
Professionals and others should look beyond single incidents to identify patterns of harm. To see these patterns, it is important that information is recorded and appropriately shared.

6.3 Abuse can take several forms and may include one or more of the following:
 

6.4 In addition, the following forms of abuse can apply for children:

• On-line abuse: Online abuse is any type of abuse that happens on the web, whether through social networks, playing online games of mobile phones.
• Child exploitation: Child sexual exploitation is a type of sexual abuse in which children are sexually exploited for money, power or status.
• Female genital mutilation (FGM): This is the partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. The Female Genital Mutilation Act (2003) makes it illegal to practice FGM in the UK or to take girls who are British nationals or permanent customers of the UK abroad for FGM whether or not it is lawful in another country.
• Bullying or cyberbullying: Bullying can happen anywhere – at school, home or online causing physical and emotional harm.
• Child trafficking: A type of abuse where children are recruited, moved or transported and then exploited, forced to work or sold.
• Grooming: Children and young people can be groomed online or in the real world, by a stranger or by someone they know, for example a family member, friend or professional.

The examples given above are not exclusive or exhaustive.

6.5 Who abuses children and adults

Anyone can abuse a child or adult at risk. This includes:

• Partners
• Relatives
• Friends and neighbours
• Other users of a service
• Someone in a position of trust e.g., teacher, health or social care service
• Volunteers
• Strangers

Mostly abusers are people already known to the child or adult, but some people will deliberately exploit or harm individuals who they see as easy targets.

6.6 Where can the abuse take place

Abuse can take place anywhere. This includes:

• A person’s own home
• A friend’s or relative’s home
• A hospital
• A care home
• day service
• An educational establishment
• A public place.

6.7 Patterns of abuse vary and include:

Serial abusing – in which the perpetrator seeks out and ‘grooms’ individuals. Sexual abuse sometimes falls into this category as do some forms of financial abuse.

Long term abuse – usually in the context of an on-going family relationship such as domestic abuse or persistent psychological abuse.

Opportunistic abuse – such as theft occurring because money or jewellery has been left lying around.

7 HOW SQUARE ROOTS MAY BE INVOLVED IN THE PREVENTION OF ABUSE

7.1 Where Square Roots staff identify concern the member of staff will discuss their concern with the person reporting, if safe to do so (see Appendix 1 for guidance). If they are unsure how to proceed, they can also discuss with their line manager or the Safeguarding lead. If there is an immediate risk, they will report this straightaway by calling 999. Otherwise, they will use the local authorities reporting procedures. They will also record the information on OmniLedger.

7.2 Safeguarding issues may be brought to the attention of staff directly by customers, neighbours, contractors, or other agencies in contact with customers or their families. In addition, staff working with customers or entering customers’ homes to carry out visits,
repairs, inspection, or interviews may encounter situations causing concerns for someone’s welfare. For Example:

• Children and adults at risk whose care needs appear to be neglected or appear
  to be subjected to deliberate mistreatment.
• Adults as risk of financial abuse which may be indicated by a lack of heating, clothing or food, inability to pay bills / unexplained shortage of money, unexplained withdrawals from an account, unexplained loss/misplacement of financial documents, the recent addition of authorized account
  holders/signatories or unexplained changes in a will or other financial documents.
• Signs of self-neglect such as hoarding, unsanitary conditions or alcohol or substance misuse
• Repeated instances of poor health or neglectful care by health and social professionals or workers
• Neglect of a person’s needs because those around them are unable to be responsible for their care, for example signs a carer may have difficulties caused by poor health, debt, alcohol, or mental health problems.
• Difficulties in maintaining tenancy such as arrears or neighbour problems or harassment which may be linked to a learning difficulty or mental health problems and giving rise to exploitation, financial abuse or harassment.
• Where there is known or suspected domestic abuse
• Children or adults who say they are being abused.

7.3 Square Roots will ensure that staff are trained to identify the wide range of circumstances in which potential victims of neglect or abuse may present and will provide guidance and appropriate safeguarding procedures for all staff to ensure the appropriate reporting, management, and referral are undertaken when there are concerns or suspicions of abuse and neglect.

7.4 Square Roots will highlight the roles of local agencies who are committed to the prevention of abuse and encourage members of the community to report suspected abuse to either Square Roots or relevant agencies.

7.5 During our procurement process Square Roots will ensure that contractors are asked for their safeguarding policy and procedures or agreed to follow this procedure to ensure that we are satisfied that arrangements are in place for their staff who may visit our properties / customers.

8. PROCEDURE FOR RAISING A SAFEGUARDING ALERT

8.1 Any member of staff who witnesses a situation in which a customer is being abused or is in imminent danger, must act to stop what is happening, providing it is safe to do so.

8.2 If there is immediate risk to life, emergency services must be called on 999.

8.3 Staff have a responsibility to report the incident, guidance on how to deal with an incident is set out in Appendix 1, and guidance on how to deal with disclosure is in Appendix 2.

8.4 When managing any safeguarding alert, it is essential that information is recorded accurately and in a timely manner. Staff should be mindful of sensitivity around safeguarding matters when recording cases and be aware that language must be factual and not include personal judgment, assessments, or allegations.

8.5 Staff will be responsible, along with their manager, for reporting safeguarding alerts to the local authority safeguarding team and/or police.

8.6 Each local authority has their own referral and reporting form. The form can normally be found on the local authority website with details of submission for both adults and children. It is essential to follow the correct reporting method for the local authority.

8.7 Once a referral has been submitted, the alert must be recorded on Square Roots’ safeguarding tracker for internal auditing and monitoring purposes, which is stored in OmniLedger.

8.8 Notes should be added to OmnilLedger for all cases, detailing the date of the report, what agencies have been informed, and on what date. This provides internal and external assurance, and acts as a record of actions taken, and the date completed.

8.8 Staff will be responsible, along with their manager, for monitoring the progress of the safeguarding referral and updating Square Roots’ safeguarding tracker every 30 days until the case has been resolved.

8.9 If concerns do not appear to be addressed staff, in conjunction with their line manager, should review the outcome. If necessary, they should contact other organisation/s who may be able to help and continue reporting concerns to statutory authorities. An individual who you feel is at risk should not be left in a situation which may result in harm to themselves or others.

9 CONFIDENTIALITY AND INFORMATION SHARING

9.1 Square Roots will always respect confidentiality and will not share any information given in confidence unless justified by the assessed risk to the adult or child at risk or required by law.

9.2 Square Roots will discuss our approach to confidentiality with our vulnerable customers where there are safeguarding concerns. We will be honest and explain that information might need to be shared with other organisations for them to respond or resolve a safeguarding issue.

9.3 Decisions about what information is shared and with whom will be taken on a case-bycase basis. Whether information is shared with or without the adult consent, the information should be:

• Necessary for the purpose it is being charged
• Shared only with those who have a need for it
• Accurate and up to date
• Share accurately
• Shared securely

9.4 Square Roots recognise that safeguarding is achieved through good joint working and understand the importance of cooperating with the police and/or local authorities to help them protect, investigate, and deter abuse. We are committed to work in partnership to achieve our aims and legal requirements.

10. KEY LEGISLATION GUIDANCE AND POLICY

10.1 This policy considers the following legislation and should be referred to for further
guidance:

• Care Act 2014
• Children Act 1989 and 2004
• Children and Young Persons Act 2008
• Equality Act 2010
• General Data Protection Regulation 2018 (GDPR)
• Mental Capacity Act (2005)
• Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
• Sex Offenders Act 2003

10.2 This policy should be read in conjunction with

• Staff Code of Conduct
• Complaints and Compliments Policy
• Whistleblowing policy
• Data Protection Policy

11. MONITOR AND REVIEW

The success of this policy will be monitored in the following ways:

• Monthly operational review of live cases
• Reporting to the Audit and Risk Committee
• Annual reporting to Board
• The policy will be reviewed every three years unless there is a significant incident, or important change in legislation which would warrant an earlier review.

Adopted: 13th July 2023
Next Review: July 2026

Appendix 1

Safeguarding: Incident Alert Process Guidance – All Services

Scope of the document
This document covers all services across Square Roots. The guidance applies to any colleague
within Square Roots who identifies a safeguarding concern.

Summary
All colleagues should receive safeguarding alert training. Following this training, colleagues should use the safeguarding incident alert process to correctly report any concerns that they may have or incidents that occur.

What should I do if a safeguarding incident or concern is brought to my attention?
If the incident is an emergency such as a crime or someone requiring emergency medical treatment you should immediately call the police/ambulance. Then follow this process. To alert the necessary people/authorities of your concerns you must complete the internal safeguarding alert on SharePoint. The purpose of the alert is to record and store all relevant information and evidence regarding a safeguarding incident in an appropriate place so that the
process can be monitored, and outcomes recorded.

Remember that any record of an incident, event or conversation must be factual and nonjudgemental.
Records of events should include any action taken to ensure the customer is
protected from any further potential harm.

Reporting
Allegations, concerns and suspicions all need to be reported. Use the following procedure:

• If you suspect or witness a safeguarding incident, complete the safeguarding alert for
  the local authority, and update OmniLedger
• Report it to your Local Authority Safeguarding Team.
• If the incident is a crime, then report it to the Police.
• Should the incident involve your line manager, contact their line manager, another
  senior manager, or the Square Roots safeguarding lead to report the incident.

Safeguarding thresholds
How a safeguarding incident is responded to, will usually depend on the threshold or tier into which it falls. All must be reported to the Local Authority in the first instance. The 5 tiers are outlined below:
 

Further actions
The Local Authority will be the lead agency carrying out the enquiry, however, this may be allocated to the Police if the allegation involves a crime. In some cases, a manager from Square Roots will be asked to conduct a provider led enquiry (S42). You must not commence any enquiry until advised to do so by the Local Authority or the Police.

Update the alert as any changes occur and with any further details provided by the Local Authority/Police. Remember to complete the learning outcome tab on the alert when the case has been closed by the Local Authority or the Police.

Contact
If you have any questions about this guidance, please speak to your manager or the
designated safeguarding lead.

Appendix 2

Safeguarding: Responding to a Disclosure of Abuse Guidance – All Services

Scope of the document

This document covers all services across Square Roots. The guidance outlines the key points to remember when dealing with a disclosure or allegation of abuse.

Guidance

It may be difficult for someone to open up and tell you about an abusive situation. In responding to the person there are some key things to remember:

Do:

• Stay calm and be empathetic
• Listen carefully to what they say
• Tell the person that they were right to tell you and that you are going to speak to your  manager about it and that we will do what we can to protect and support them.
• Record in full what was said using their words and include only facts not your own views regarding the disclosure

Don’t:

There are some key things that you must not do, these include:

• Ask leading questions about the abuse
• Be judgemental about what you have been told
• Show too much emotion such as shock or anger
• Promise to keep it confidential – it is not possible to keep this sort of information to
  yourself
• Make promises you cannot keep, for example, promising it will never happen again
• Talk to the alleged abuser about the abuse
• Interfere or disturb anything which may be used as forensic evidence if you suspect a
  crime has been committed
• Put yourself at risk

Sharing forms and information:
The information you are recording is likely to be of a highly sensitive nature. There may be a requirement to share this information with people outside of Square Roots. This may include the local authority’s safeguarding team or the police. This is an important part of the safeguarding process, and it is vital that information is shared securely. If you are asked to supply any of the information on an email, please follow data protection guidance. If you are
asked to share the information by telephone, make sure you are confident the person you are speaking to has the relevant safeguarding authority.

Contact:
If you have any questions about this guidance, please speak to your manager or the
designated safeguarding lead.

1. Introduction

1.1 We have designed a Policy and Procedure to ensure Square Roots take a consistent and robust approach when managing reports of damp, mould, and condensation within our properties.

1.2 There are many root causes that lead to damp, mould, and condensations within our homes (please see Appendix 1 for further information). This has the potential to have an impact on our customers and their family’s physical and/or mental health and well-being. Both Square Roots staff and customers should work together to prevent or resolve damp, mould, and condensation issues (please see Section 4 and 5 for further guidance).

1.3 It is important that causes of damp and condensation are diagnosed and understood to effectively remediate, this includes a proactive approach to addressing reports and providing relevant information and signposting to customers where appropriate.

1.4 In addition to providing a safe home environment to our customers, Square Roots are to comply with all relevant legislation not just restricted to such legislation identified herein this policy.

1.5 Repairs or remedial work carried out in response to cases of damp and mould complement our programmes of planned and cyclical maintenance. Our contractors are expected to maintain a good stock of anti-mould kits. This is to ensure that we meet the needs of our customers.

2. Aims and Objectives of this Policy

2.1 To clarify the approach to damp and condensation and the method of reviewing and monitoring damp and condensation reporting.

2.2 Undertake effective investigations and implement reasonable remedial repair solutions and improvements to manage damp, mould and condensation. Offer advice and assistance to customers living in our properties, including information on how to prevent damp, mould and condensation.

2.3 To establish a clear, accessible process to enable customers to report damp and condensation issues, and to tailor responses to ensure the individual needs of customers are taken into consideration.

2.4 Ensure staff and contractors are trained on how to recognise, manage, and identify solutions to damp, mould and condensation within a rented property.

2.5 To provide assurance to our customers that measures are in place to identify, manage and mitigate risks associated with damp and condensation, by utilising stock condition data and customer insight.

2.6 To ensure that the fabric of our property is protected from deterioration and damage resulting from damp and mould.

2.7 That customers who report damp and mould in their properties are treated with respect and empathy.

3. Causes of Damp Mould and Condensation

3.1 The causes of damp, mould and condensation contained in this section, are the most common.

3.2 It is important to be able to tell the difference between damp caused by condensation and damp caused by other factors, such as penetrating damp (caused by a leak) or rising damp.

3.3 The main types of damp are:

• Penetrating Dampness- Rain can get in through leaking roofs, blocked or damaged guttering, leaky walls and poorly fitting doors and windows. Penetrative damp can also be caused by leaks from plumbing faults, failed appliances and poorly sealed baths and showers.
• Rising Dampness- caused by the breakdown, deterioration or bridging of the damp proof course of the building at ground floor level. Ground water can rise up through the walls and floor if the damp proof course isn’t working properly or is missing.
• Bridging Damp- There are many cases of bridging damp from render systems going below the Damp Proof Course to ground level, concrete paving and ground levels being increased.
• Condensation- The effects of damp and mould can be a challenge particularly during the winter months and in most cases is one that needs to be managed by the customer through the effective use of heating and ventilation. However, this can also be the result of ineffective mechanical or natural ventilation.

3.4 Mould is a natural organic compound that develops in damp conditions and will only grow on damp surfaces. It is often noticeable and present in situations where condensation damp is present.

3.5 Square Roots recognises this impact the impact of damp and the affect it has on our customers, and the need to act decisively.

4. Our Responsibilities

4.1 In October 2021 the Housing Ombudsman issued a report to social landlords, recommending that they adopt a zero-tolerance approach to damp and mould. The report recognised the challenges for landlords tacking these issues, and identified best practice and 26 items for landlords to implement including:

• Greater use of intelligence and data to prevent issues.
• Adopting a consolidated policy for actions it may be take based on diagnosis.
• Reviewing communication with customers to improve tone.
• Improve access to complaints to resolve issues, including alongside disrepair claims, and learn from them.

4.2 We will meet our landlord repairing responsibilities as detailed within our Tenant, Shared owner and Leasehold Agreements and in line with our Repairs & Maintenance Policy.

4.3 To maintain our homes so that they meet the Home Standard, under Consumer Regulation.

4.4 We shall investigate and diagnose the cause of damp or mould and deliver effective remedial solutions.

4.5 To remain in regular and effective communication with a customer, following a report of damp and mould being made, providing progress updates from beginning to end – especially on the occasion where an investigation into a case may be complex.

4.6 Provide our customers with comprehensive and focused advice and guidance on how to manage damp, mould or condensation.

4.7 To manage all reports of damp, mould and condensation using our Damp, Mould  and Condensation Procedure.

4.8 Where vulnerable or disabled customers have no one to help them and are unable to carry out mould washes themselves, we will consider how to support and assist them on a caseby- case basis.

4.9 In the situation of statutory overcrowding resulting in damp and mould, we will work with the customer and the Local Authority to review to explore the customer’s options. The Housing Act 1985 explains that all Living Rooms and Bedrooms are included in the calculation of statutory overcrowding.

4.10 In the situation of hoarding resulting in damp and mould, we will refer to our Hoarding Policy and Procedure for further guidance on how to best support the customer.

4.11 At the time of a void inspection, each room should be checked for damp, mould, and condensation. If identified, it will be managed and rectified as part of the void works.

4.12 As part of a Mutual Exchange, a property inspection is completed at which time, each room should be checked for damp, mould, and condensation. If identified, it will be managed and rectified before the Mutual Exchange completes.

4.13 As part of our Probationary Tenancy reviews, and other scheduled visits, a property inspection will be carried out as per 4.12.

5. Customer’s Responsibilities

5.1 Damp and mould can be caused by condensation and may adversely affect your health and your home. Customers are responsible for making sure that they take appropriate steps to prevent significant amounts of condensation that results in damp or mould growth.

5.2 The customer is responsible for ensuring no damage occurs to Square Roots assets in line with their responsibilities as detailed within their tenancy agreement. This includes, but is not limited to, reporting any leaks, or faulty heating, windows, or extractor fans.

5.3 Shared owners will be encouraged to manage and maintain their properties including damp and condensation in accordance with their lease agreement.

5.4 Customers will be provided with information and guidance on minimising condensation in their home.

5.5 The customer is responsible for arranging adequate household contents insurance, to protect their home from damage.

5.6 Where remedial works and mould wash treatments have been undertaken by us, the customer is responsible for redecoration. It is recommended that anti-fungal paint is used. For vulnerable or disabled customers, we will consider how to assist the redecoration process on a case-by-case basis.

6 Fuel Poverty

6.1 Fuel poverty is recognised as a causal factor in damp, mould, and condensation issues, i.e. customers may be. unable to afford to heat their homes effectively or evenly which then creates the conditions for moulds to thrive.

6.2 If a customer is suffering from Fuel Poverty, we will see what support or advice we can offer.
If we are unable to help the customer will be signposted to a specialist agency.

7 Training

7.1 We will ensure the provision of training for all front-line and Customer Care staff on the identification, treatment and the prevention of damp, mould and condensation.

The training will enable them to:

• Become familiar with and understand the correct response needed when a damp or mould issue is identified by them or reported to them, including what advice to give and when to raise remedial works.
• Identify the correct equipment required to assess damp in properties and find resolution to the problem, if it is our responsibility.
• Develop their knowledge on our stock and the archetypes of properties that are likely to suffer from damp and mould.

8 Complaints

8.1 Any customer or other stakeholder who is dissatisfied with how we have managed their repair(s) is able to submit a complaint using our Complaints process. Once our Complaints process has been exhausted, and if they remain dissatisfied, then they can contact the Housing Ombudsman Service, who can consider if we have acted appropriately.

9 Performance Monitoring

9.1 Performance will be reported to Board to demonstrate compliance with the Homes Standard.

9.2 Key performance indicators on repairs will be published quarterly on our customer website.

10 Related Documents

Complaints and Compliments Policy
Succession Policy
Repairs and Maintenance Policy
Data Protection Policy
Damp, Mould and Condensation Leaflet (Appendix 1)
Housing Ombudsman Service Spotlight on: Damp and Mould

11 Equality and diversity

We will apply this policy consistently and fairly and will not discriminate against anyone
based on any protected characteristics, including those set out in the Equality Act 2010.

12 Review

All policies should be reviewed every 3 years as a minimum, or sooner if there is a
specific legislative, regulatory or service requirement or change in guidance, law or
practice.

Adopted: 13th July 2023
Next Review: July 2026

Appendix 1

Currently in circulation, awaiting design sign off

1. Purpose

1.1. This policy sets out our commitment to deliver an efficient and effective responsive repairs service that meets the needs of our customers and enables us to fulfil our statutory, regulatory and contractual obligations.

1.2. Carrying out repairs is one of the most important services we deliver to our customers.
We want Square Roots homes to be maintained in an affordable manner and ensure all our homes provide our customers with a safe, warm and dry home, where everything is in working order.

2. Scope

2.1 This policy covers repairs services to customers who rent their home under a tenancy agreement, and those who own them as a leaseholder (whether through shared ownership or outright).

2.2 Both our repairing obligations and those of our customers vary between those tenures, and this is reflected in the policy. The policy covers responsive repairs within customers’ homes (including their gardens and wider estate, subject to terms of the tenancy, license, or lease agreement), in communal areas, and to communal assets for example, shared gardens, shared spaces including lifts and corridors.

3. Aims

• Ensure we meet our repair obligations so that Square Roots homes are maintained,
  throughout the duration of the tenancy, to the standard met when they were let.
• Comply with all legislative, regulatory, and contractual (including lease and tenancy)
  obligations.
• Deliver a cost-effective repairs service which responds to the needs of customers, and
  which has the objective of completing repairs at the first visit (first time fix).
• Ensure our customers are aware of their repair responsibilities and our repair
  responsibilities, and where repair responsibilities are theirs, that these are met.
• Communicate effectively to our customers at all times in relation to the delivery of our
  responsive repairs service and enable them to communicate effectively with us.
• Offer our customers suitable and convenient choice in booking appointments for
  repairs.

4. Legislation and guidance

4.1 As a landlord we are required to meet certain obligations that are set out in law.
Additionally, our tenancy (or leasehold) agreements set out the things that Square Roots is responsible for and the things our customers are responsible for.

4.2 The key areas of legislation in this policy are:

• Building Safety Act 2022
• Defective premises Act 1972
• Landlord and Tenant Act 1985
• Housing Act 1996
• Environmental Protection Act 1990
• Fire Safety Act 2021
• Gas safety (installations and use) Regulations 1998
• Health and Social Care Act 2008
• Housing Act 2004
• Equality Act 2010
• Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015
• Home Standard, Regulator of Social Housing, 2015
• Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018
• Party Wall Act 2016

5. Definitions

5.1 ‘Customer’ – Any tenant or leaseholder of a property or commercial unit owned and/or managed by Square Roots.

5.2 ‘Repair’ – The process of rectifying a component or installation when it is faulty or in a state of disrepair; in a Square Roots owned and/or managed property.

6. Repair Responsibilities

6.1 Customers must report repairs that are the responsibility of Square Roots, as soon as reasonably possible, to ensure the property does not fall into disrepair.

6.2 What we and our customers are each responsible for is set out in our tenancy/leasehold agreements. In addition, we will maintain a list on our website
(Appendix 1 & 2). This list is not intended to be exhaustive, and customers should refer to the appropriate legal document.

7. Repair categories

7.1 Repairs will be classified and responded to within Square Roots’ repair categories and timescales. This will be communicated to the customer once the repair is logged and an appointment agreed.

7.2 The categories and timescales are set out below, as per our Service Level Agreement (“SLA”) (Appendix 3).
 

7.3 Emergency repairs will be responded to and made safe within 4 hours. Where possible a full repair will be carried out, if this is not possible, we will arrange a new appointment at a time convenient for the customer.

7.4 Emergency repairs are available out of hours (outside of our business operating hours) for repairs that pose an immediate risk to people and/or property.

8. Reporting repairs

8.1 Customers can report repairs in a variety of ways at a time and place that suits them:

• appointment via customer portal
• telephone
• email
• website
• during your community meeting (non-urgent communal repairs)

8.2 Square Roots’ aim is to arrange a convenient appointment at first contact with the customer and complete the repair, where possible, within one visit.

8.3 Customers should use telephone as the preferred option to report any emergency repair/s.

9. Vulnerable Customers

9.1 Square Roots appreciate and embrace the diversity of our customers, and recognise that this may, on occasion, require a tailored service. At our discretion we may tailor the repairs service offer to these households when appropriate.

9.2 Every attempt will be made to identify any individual circumstances at first point of contact to ensure reasonable adjustments can be made.

10. Inspections

10.1 A pre-inspection maybe required before a repair appointment can be arranged. This will include circumstances where the scope of the repair is unknown. Following the inspection, the repair will be diagnosed and planned within the appropriate timescales.

10.2 To ensure Square Roots is delivering a high-quality repairs service and committed to added value, a sample of completed repairs will be inspected regularly.

10.3 These inspections will be a combination of desktop reviews and on-site inspections.

11. No Access

11.1 Our tenancy, license and leasehold agreements require customers to allow us (including appointed contractors) access to their home to carry out repairs at the agreed appointment time. If we are unable to gain access to carry out the repairs and the integrity of the property, its fabric and/or the safety of the customer or those in the vicinity of the property is compromised, we will take appropriate action to gain access to carry out the repair. This may include but is not limited to obtaining an injunction for access. If we are required to gain access this way, we will consider taking both immediate and retrospective action against the customer for the breach of their tenancy conditions. We may pass on to the customer the costs incurred by us taking
this action.

11.2 In the event that we are unable to gain access for a repair, that does not compromise the integrity of the property or the safety of other, due to the customer not being home or nota allowing access, the customer will be notified that the repair has been cancelled and to contact Square Roots to raise another appointment.

12. Major Repairs

12.1 Major Repairs are non-emergency routine repairs that cost over £1000 and will likely be deemed either extensive or improvement to the existing provision, they are not standard repairs.

12.2 Square Roots aims to complete all Major Repairs within 90 days, however in some instances works will form part of a larger programme or alternatively due to their nature will be undertaken within a shorter timeframe where delay would be detrimental to property or person, this will be determined by Square Roots.

12.3 Where we identify the need for a major repair, we will make sure the customer understands the reasons for this and the timeframes involved. We will also ensure good communication on the progress of these major repairs, where possible.

13. Recharge

13.1 Damage that has been caused by a customer, their family members or visitors to a property, will be rechargeable. A rechargeable repair is defined as, ‘repairs that are above and beyond normal wear and tear, and arise from abuse, accidental damage, neglect or deliberate and/or malicious damage’.

13.2 Rechargeable repairs are underpinned by the tenancy agreement, under section 13, ’Damage’, and explained in our Recharge Policy, which will enable Square Roots to recover the costs resulting from customers who fail to meet their obligations.

14. Alterations

14.1 Customers wishing to carry out any alterations or improvements to their home must apply in writing to Square Roots and receive our written permission prior to any works being undertaken.

14.2 Where customers have carried out alterations or improvements to a property and written permission has been provided, Square Roots will not be responsible for carrying out repairs.

14.3 Where customers have carried out alterations without consent from Square Roots, they may be asked to restore the property to its original state at their own cost.

15. Cyclical Maintenance

15.1 Square Roots have statutory obligations to carry out compliance related safety checks.

15.2 Cyclical maintenance is work required to be carried out on a regular basis to prevent the gradual deterioration of a property, its components and finishes and also to ensure that property standards are maintained, and that Square Roots contributes to the community.

15.3 Every five years Square Roots will undertake a full electrical safety test to all rented properties.

15.4 Square Roots will undertake PAT testing annually, for electrical appliances provided in rented properties.

16. Defects

16.1 Most works carried out as part of new build properties are covered by a defects liability period (DLP). This starts from the date of practical completion for the building or block (and not from the date of occupation of the property). The defects period is 24 months.

16.2 Shared ownership customers should report repairs for new or improved properties via the Customer Care telephone line on 0333 666 4949 or emailing [email protected].

17. Voids

17.1 We aim to let void properties as quickly as possible in order to minimise loss of income.

17.2 In order to achieve this, we will adopt a systematic approach to completing and monitoring any necessary repair work before the property is considered fit for let.

17.3 Voids will be classified as either minor or major voids, the category will be agreed
following inspection:

Minor voids - properties requiring a low value of works (under £x) to bring them up
to a lettable standard.

Major voids - properties requiring larger scale, higher value works, for example,
bathroom removal and installation, to bring them up to the lettable standard.

17.4 We will have a minimum lettable standard in place, and this will define the nature and
extent of repair work that will be carried out prior to a property being let.

17.5 It is our policy to instruct electrical safety checks as well as request an Energy Performance Certificate for each void property (if required) before the new tenant moves in.

18. Adaptations

18.1 Subject to the provision of local authority funding to cover all costs, we will support and assist the carrying out of works which will enable independent living and enhance the quality of life of tenants with particular mobility or other impairments.

18.2 We will only refuse to carry out adaptation work in exceptional circumstances. This will include when:

• The adaptation is technically difficult to achieve without detriment to the property and other tenants.
• Funding is not available.
• The specific advice from relevant agencies is that the proposed adaptation would not be appropriate.

19. Performance, Monitoring and Review

19.1 Square Roots will collate and monitor performance information in relation to repairs strategic key performance indicators.

19.2 Customer satisfaction testing will be conducted regularly on a random selection of completed repairs. Feedback and analysis will be used to identify trends and to continuously improve service delivery.

19.3 Comprehensive records of all repairs and maintenance work will be held with a view to demonstrating transparency in the way work has been carried out and authorised.

19.4 This policy will be reviewed every three years unless there is a significant incident, important change in circumstances or legislation which would warrant a review being carried out at an earlier date.

Adopted: 13th July 2023
Next Review: July 2026

As your landlord, we are responsible for repairs to:

We are responsible for maintaining and repairing the structure and exterior of the building;
and communal areas, including the following:

Inside the home

• Maintain gas and electrical heating, and hot water systems
• Offer alternative heating in cases of complete breakdown
• Install and test hard-wired smoke detectors and sprinklers
• Repair water and roof leaks
• Manage pest control in communal areas and inside homes
• Maintain electrical sockets, wiring and light fittings including sealed lighting (we do
  not replace bulbs)
• Structural repairs to walls, floors, ceiling, stairs and bannisters

Outside the home

• Maintain and clear gutters, drains and pipework to blocks
• Maintain external doors, window frames and sills
• Repair and maintain communal paving, pathways and outdoor steps leading to the
  main access point of the building
• Install communal and boundary fencing to public or adjoining private land (not dividing
  fences between homes)
• Remove dead, diseased or dangerous trees in communal back gardens and in street
  properties, after assessment

Customer responsibility:

Inside the home

• Maintain and renew of internal decorations
• Please let us know if there is a damp and mould issue in your home as soon as it
  happens by reporting a repair
• Clear blockages in waste pipes and toilets, even if this is accidental. If the problem
  persists, contact us
• Maintain any improvements made by you
• Minor repairs to plaster, including filling minor holes and cracks
  Look after and replace sink plugs, tap washers, toilet seats and lids, shower hoses,
  shower heads
• Replace light bulbs, starter motors for strip lights, fuses
• Fit and maintain doorbells, letterboxes and handles (unless you live in a flat)
• Mend broken glass to your own front doors and windows if you have caused the
  damage
• Repair and maintain kitchen cupboard doors, drawers, cupboard catches and hinges
• Repair or replace keys and locks because of any damage by you, your family or
  visitors. This also includes repairs or replacements because keys have been lost.
• Bleed radiators
• Repair and replace internal doors, door handles and latches, including adapting
  internal doors to fit carpets
• Looking after and replacing floor coverings and carpets

Outside the home

• Maintain dividing fences between you and your neighbour
• Prune and maintain all shrubs, trees and grass within your private garden
• Maintain any improvements made by yourself
• Keep pathways clear of leaves and debris and undertake minor repairs

If any repairs are identified within your 2 year defect liability period, they should be
reported to Square Roots. Defect reporting is set out in your Home User Guide.

Your tenancy agreement gives more information about your rights and responsibilities
around repairs. If you are not sure who is responsible for a repair in your home, please contact
your Customer Services Manager.

Appendix 2 - Leaseholder/Shared Ownership Customer

As your landlord, we (or a managing agent) are responsible for repairs to:

• Communal doors and entrances, halls, lifts and other communal areas
• External repairs and painting of the exterior of the flat or apartment block and any
  communal areas on a set cycle
• the cost for the works we or the managing agent will incur in maintaining these
  common parts will be recovered from leaseholder and shared owners through the
  service charge.

Customer responsibility:

Normally, leaseholders and shared owners are responsible for undertaking all internal repairs to their home at their own expense. This includes items such as the glass in the windows and the window handles and locks.

If you live in a leasehold flat or apartment, you’re responsible for all repairs to the inside of your

This includes repairs to:

• Central heating, water heaters and fitted fires
• Sockets switches and light fittings
• Baths, sinks, toilets and cisterns
• Drains and waste pipes

If any repairs are identified within your 2-year defect liability period, they should be reported to Square Roots. Defect reporting is set out in your Home User Guide.

Appendix 3

SLA currently in circulation, awaiting sign off

1. Introduction

1.1. This policy sets out Square Roots’ approach to unacceptable behaviour and is written with reference to the model policy and guidance from the Housing Ombudsman Managing unacceptable behaviour policy - Housing Ombudsman (housing-ombudsman.org.uk)

1.2 Square Roots is committed to developing a workplace culture in which there is zero tolerance of aggression or abuse directed against any of our staff or contractors. Similarly, racist, sexist, transphobic or homophobic behaviour will not be tolerated. Square Roots are committed to dealing with this and other unreasonable behaviour and this policy sets out the approach taken to those very few customers whose action or behaviour is unacceptable.

1.3 The cornerstone of Square Roots Customer Charter is Respect and Empowerment. Square Roots wants to give confidence to staff to know that it
regards unacceptable behaviour against staff or customers as a serious matter and will take all reasonable steps to reduce risks to staff and others who may be affected.

1.4 Square Roots will provide appropriate support and help to staff, stakeholders and customers who are victims of unacceptable behaviour whilst representing or acting on behalf of Square Roots, even if outside of their contracted working hours.

2. Aims and scope of the policy

2.1 The aim of this policy is to set out how Square Roots will deal with unacceptable behaviour in a consistent, fair, and timely manner. This policy defines
unacceptable behaviour towards staff and contractors and the action that will be taken when confronted by such behaviour.

2.2 The policy applies to all Square Roots customers (including tenants, whether directly managed or not, leaseholders, shared owners, and former tenants), their friends, relatives, household members and visitors.

2.3 All staff have a role to play to act in accordance with this policy and by informing and/or supporting in the event of an incident.

3. Definitions

3.1 Unacceptable behaviour is defined as:

• Aggression, abuse or violence including threats towards Square Roots staff or contractors.
• Violence is not restricted to acts of aggression that may result in physical harm. It also includes behaviour and/or language (whether verbal or written) that may cause staff to feel offended, afraid, threatened or abused.
• Prejudice and discriminatory behaviour. This includes racist, sexist, transphobic or homophobic behaviour.
• Unacceptable language, use of social media, verbal or written which is offensive, derogatory, inflammatory or patronising.
• Repeatedly changing the substance of a complaint or raising unrelated concerns.
• False and/or malicious allegations that individuals have committed criminal, corrupt or perverse conduct.
• Actions that result in unacceptable or excessive demands on the service in that it prevents staff from carrying out their duties effectively.
• These are examples given above and not designed to be an exclusive or exhaustive list.

4. Our Approach

4.1 Square Roots staff treat customers courteously and expect customers to do the same. Unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated, and Square Roots will manage it.

4.2 It is recognised that customers may, occasionally, become understandably irritated about issues such as service delivery failure, but when such behaviour becomes unacceptable as above, staff will always use appropriate interpersonal skills deployed to manage and defuse angry behaviour, as this can help to reduce incidents of anger escalating into aggressive or abusive behaviour.

4.3 Square Roots will manage unacceptable behaviour in the following ways whilst it occurs:

• Minimising conflict by being calm, rational and empathetic
• Challenging the behaviour calmly by explaining that it is unacceptable (if appropriate)
• Asking customers to stop the behaviour
• Pausing or bringing the conversation to an end if the behaviour continues
• Reporting criminal behaviour to the police
• Restricting service or taking enforcement action

4.4 In order to evaluate the appropriate level of response to an incident Square Roots will take into account the circumstances of the case and the seriousness of the incident. The response will range from terminating the conversation, issuing a warning letter, to implementing a sanction or restricting contact. This could also include formal legal enforcement, such as Notices, Injunctions or possession claims. This list is not designed to be exhaustive.

4.5 If the unacceptable behaviour continues or is serious staff/managers may take action to restrict the customer’s future contact with staff. This may result in a reduced level of service.

5. Relevant Square Roots Policies and Procedures

• Health and Safety Policy (including Lone Working)
• Community and Neighbourhood Nuisance Policy
• Safeguarding Policy and Procedure

6. Relevant Legislation and guidance

• Housing Ombudsman guidance Unacceptable user action policy - Housing Ombudsman (housing-ombudsman.org.uk)
• Care Act 2014 Care Act 2014 (legislation.gov.uk)
• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (legislation.gov.uk)
• The Management of Health and Safety at work Regulations 1999 The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (legislation.gov.uk)
• Housing Acts 1985, 1988 and 1996 Housing Act 1996 (legislation.gov.uk)
• Protection from Harassment Act 1997 Protection from Harassment Act 1997 (legislation.gov.uk)
• The Crime and Disorder Act Crime and Disorder Act 1998 (legislation.gov.uk)
• Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 (legislation.gov.uk)
• Racial and Religious Hatred Act 2006 Racial and Religious Hatred Act 2006 (legislation.gov.uk)
• ASB, Crime and Policing Act 2014 Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (legislation.gov.uk)

7. Review

This policy will be reviewed every three years or earlier whenever there are changes to legislation, good practice or other learning.

Adopted: 13th July 2023
Next Review: July 2026

1.    Introduction

1.1.    The purpose of this document is to present the general policy on service charge, setting out the aims, principles and values that will be followed by Square Roots in its operation of them.

1.2.    Service Charges are governed by the legal framework set out in the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Commonhold and Leasehold Act 2002.  The GLA Service Charge Charter gives guidance and seeks to improve the experience of our customers in relation to their service charges.  Square Roots as a registered provider is obliged to meet the obligations under the GLA Service Charge Charter in addition to the above legislation.

1.3.    Service charges are payable by assured tenants and by leaseholders.  In the rest of this document assured tenants are referred to as “tenants” and “leaseholders” shall be taken to include residential, shared ownership.

1.4.    Non-Residential Occupiers – Square Roots will never own Non-Residential accommodation. However, we may be required on some projects to set Service Charges for a building and wider estate that include Non-Residential, and also have responsibility for setting and collecting Services Charges that support the cost of the services for the entire building.

1.5.    This policy has been written having regard to the Square Roots vision and values and to reference material from Homes England/GLA and RSH (Regulator of Social Housing), guidance, relevant legislation, leases and tenancy agreements and industry-wide best practice.  The policy is underpinned by operational procedures which have been formulated and developed in consultation with solicitors and staff as appropriate.

2.    Statement of Intent

2.1.    Square Roots is committed to meeting its responsibilities to all residents under the terms of their tenancy agreements or leases and to providing them with value-for-money services in the management and maintenance of their homes and estates.

2.2.    Square Roots is bound by the terms of the tenancy agreements and leases issued either by it or by relevant legislation.

2.3.    Service charge items are defined by the lease or tenancy agreement.  If the lease or tenancy agreement does not provide that a charge for a particular service can be recovered by Square Roots, then the cost cannot form part of the service charge until there has been a formal variation of the tenancy or lease.

2.4.    Square Roots variable service charges are the recovery of costs which do not necessarily fluctuate in line with inflation or the rent formula, however Square Roots will aim to obtain value for money at all times.

2.5.    Square Roots will seek to recover all reasonable service charges to which it is entitled. 
    
3.    Definition of Service Charges

3.1.    Residential service charges can be either fixed or variable.  Square Roots operates variable service charges.

3.2.    Service charges are costs payable directly or indirectly for services, repairs, maintenance, insurance, or Square Roots costs of management in respect of a dwelling where the amount of the charge varies in accordance with the costs incurred by Square Roots and/or its managing agents, , and which are required to be paid by the tenancy agreement or lease in addition to the rent.  Square Roots will aim to set service charges at a level which covers the full costs of providing the required services to the communal areas.

4.    Calculation and Recovery of Service Charges

4.1.    Service charges to tenants will be made in accordance with the tenancy agreement and with relevant legislation.

4.2.    Service charges to leaseholders will be made in accordance with the lease and with relevant legislation.

4.3.    Schemes containing <200 homes - service charge costs will be apportioned to properties on a square foot basis. Where any apportionment of costs is undefined by the lease or by the tenancy agreement, Square Roots will calculate the share to be paid based on reasonable assumptions.  

4.4.    Schemes containing >200 homes – service charge costs will be apportioned to properties on a unit type basis. Where any apportionment of costs is undefined by the lease or by the tenancy agreement, Square Roots will calculate the share to be paid based on reasonable assumptions.  

4.5.    Non-Residential Accommodation – service charge costs will be apportioned to properties on a square foot basis. Where any apportionment of costs is undefined by the lease or by the tenancy agreement, Square Roots will calculate the share to be paid based on reasonable assumptions.

4.6.    In accordance with its tenancy agreements and lease, Square Roots will issue an estimate service charge for the financial year (1st April to 31st March) so that it is received at least 28 days before 1st April in each year.  The estimated service charge will be based on existing cost data and on known cost projections for the year to come.

4.7.    In accordance with its tenancy agreements and leases Square Roots will issue a service charge statement in sufficient time for it to be received by service charge payers no later than the end of September following the end of the financial year.  This will show actual costs incurred by the property.

4.8.    In line with legislation and upon request, tenants and leaseholder will be entitled to see supporting evidence of the information contained in their service charge statement.  This request must be made within six months from the date that the statement was issued.  After that time, it is a matter for Square Roots discretion.  Square Roots may deny this request after the expiry of the six-month period if it considers the request to be frivolous or vexatious, or if it considers sufficient information has already been provided.

4.9.    Credits or debits arising from the statement (i.e., the difference between the estimate and the statement for the same year) will, although due, be by default carried over to the financial year following the statement issues.  If after taking into account the current years estimated charges raised, there is still a credit, then the leaseholder or tenant will be offered a refund.

4.10.    In accordance with legislation Square Roots considers the charge to belong to the property, not to the tenant or leaseholder.  Credits or debits arising from the service charge statement will be issued in accordance with respective tenancy agreement or lease.

4.11.    For tenants Square Roots may, after consultation introduce modify or withdraw services and adjust the service charge accordingly.

4.12.    For leaseholders the services provided, and the accompanying service charge will be defined solely by the lease.  Any deviation from this will require a Deed of Variation (s), the enactment of which is to be paid entirely by the requesting/requiring party.

4.13.    Legislation generally requires service charges to be demanded within 18 months of the cost being incurred. The point at which a service cost is considered to have been incurred is the date on which Square Roots made the associated payment or received the demand for which payment should be made, whichever comes first.

4.14.    Services will be delivered under either short-term or long-term contracts. The estimated service charge set will divide the service charge up into 12 equal monthly instalments.

5.    Major Works (Section 20)

5.1     Square Roots will comply with the (as amended) Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002, in consulting Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 with individual leaseholder and/or tenants on any service charge costs which exceed certain prescribed amount.  This applies to Qualifying Works such as repairs and some improvements (major Works), or to contracts known as Qualify Long Term Agreements (QLTA’s) which exceed 12 months.

5.2    Where a service charge item will be greater than a certain amount per dwelling (at the time of writing, £250 for a one-off cost or £100 for a contract of more than 12 months), Square Roots will carry out the statutory (or Section 20) consultation procedures.  The leaseholder and/or tenants is provided with a notice that Square Roots intends to carry out works or enter into a contract and then given the estimated costs and a proposed contractor before the work is carried out.  The leaseholder and/or tenant may comment on Square Roots intentions and the proposed costs and Square Roots will give due consideration to the comments received in line with its statutory obligation.  In certain circumstances the leaseholders and tenants have the right to nominate a contractor or supplier from whom we are obliged to try and obtain a cost estimate.  The consultation process takes a minimum of three months.

5.3    Major Works (S.20) costs to leaseholder, where statutory consultation has been carried out, will be billed separately from the annual service charge bills.  QLTA costs however will be included in the annual service charge.

5.4    Square Roots will begin to seek payment of all leasehold Major Works bills after one month of issue, to be settled within 12 months of issue.

5.5    Major Works costs to tenants (this will mostly be for QLTA’s such as security contracts), where statutory consultation has been carried out, will be included in the annual service charge.  They will not receive a separate bill.

5.6    Major Works bills will be issued to leaseholders as soon as Square Roots is able to verify the costs with an acceptable audit trail, but no later than 18 months after the costs were incurred.

5.7    If it is not possible for an accurate Major Works bill to be issued within 18 months of the cost being incurred, service charge payers will be formally advised via a S.20B Notice and the bill will be issued as soon as possible after that.

6.    New Developments

6.1    Square Roots will draft leases and tenancy agreements in new developments that allow Square Roots to recover costs fairly and according to the services enjoyed by the individual leaseholders and tenants.

6.2     New developments will aim to be designed to make service charges affordable to leaseholder’s and tenants, and to provide the best value for money possible.

6.3    Square Roots will provide its leaseholders and tenants with a detailed estimated service charge, giving them as much information as possible for them to understand their obligations, current and potential future costs, in order for them to make informed decisions on the affordability of their new home and the service provided to them.

7.    Sinking Funds

7.1     Leases in new developments where Square Roots is not subject to a superior agreement may, at Square Roots discretion, include a sinking (or reserve) fund.

7.2    Sinking funds should be reasonable and tailored to the nature of the development, accurately reflecting the extent of shared areas, associated levels of plant and infrastructure, and major works programmes.  They should be reviewed periodically to ensure value collected will cover the cost of future replacement.

7.3    The value of sinking fund contributions should be sufficient to prevent large claims being made on leaseholders, in years when high value cyclical or replacement woks are required.

7.4    Sinking funds once paid are allocated against each property for the benefit of any future planned or cyclical maintenance requirements. The sinking funds collected will be identified each year in the service charge account for each community as reserve funds. These funds are not refundable to leaseholder on the sale of their property, they remain an asset for the properties contribution to future planned and cyclical maintenance obligations to any common parts of the building in which the property is located.

7.5    Sinking funds are not paid for by tenants, as these obligations remain with the landlord.

7.6    Square Roots and/or its investors should make sure that equal sinking fund contributions are paid into the Service Charge account for homes occupied by tenants, to ensure the Service Charge account has equal and transparent funds for future planned maintenance works.

7.7    Sinking fund contributions will be calculated as realistically as possible to cover projected relevant life cycle costs, but if at any time the sinking fund has insufficient resources to affect a repair Square Roots consider necessary, the difference will be levied as a separate charge.

7.8    Square Roots will not operate informal or voluntary sinking funds.  It will only operate sinking funds which have been included in the lease or in a Deed of Variation.

7.9    Where Square Roots is subject to a superior agreement in a larger mixed-use development and the individual property’s share of sinking fund contributions will be as per that agreement. (Though tenants will not be liable for Square Roots repairs contributions)    
        
8.    Budget Monitoring

8.1    Spending is monitored by the appointed managing agent and overseen by the Square Roots estates team, depending on the service being provided.  The finance department provides monthly spend to date information to all budget holders.

8.2    The estates team in conjunction with the individual managing agents are responsible for estimating service charge information for each scheme and block.

8.3    Service provision and cost expenditure should be reviewed regularly to ensure that that ongoing costs to tenants and leaseholders are minimised and where appropriate are reduced accordingly.

8.4     Payment Plans – where sinking funds have not been sufficient, or where an unexpected, unforeseen capital expenditure is required that is outside of any warranty provision, Square Roots will put in place a repayment plan for said works for those leaseholders that are in financial hardship, if the leaseholder raises issues of repayment during the s.20 consultation period.

9.    Disputes over the Service Charge

9.1    Challenges to the service charge will primarily be dealt with by the managing agent according to the lease or tenancy agreement and according to legislation. Escalation to Square Roots may be appropriate if the dispute is not resolved.

9.2     Challenges to service charges will be defined as a complaint or a service request, as per a Square Roots Complaints and Compliments policy. The difference between complaints and service requests are defined within the complaints policy.

9.3    Leaseholders and tenants have the statutory right to challenge Square Roots service charge in the First Tier Property Tribunal and also via Housing Ombudsman.

9.4    Challenge and complaints procedures should be made clear to leaseholders and tenants when they move in and made easily available either as part of the Service Charge statement or located on our website.

9.5    Where there is a managing agent, it should be made clear who leaseholders and tenants should contact to complain about services to the building and wider estate, it should also be clear to leaseholders and tenants what Square Roots responsibilities are, and how they can help.

9.6    Where further detail is required to challenge service charges (e.g. invoices, detailed accounts) this should be made available in a timely manner in line with this policy.

10.    Equality and Diversity

10.1    In line with Square Roots’ Diversity and Inclusion Policy, our leaseholders and tenants will be treated fairly and equitably without discrimination or prejudice regardless of their age, disability, gender, reassignment, marital status, race, faith, gender, sexual orientation, or pregnancy/maternity.

10.2    If a leaseholder or a tenant wishes to receive information in a different format, e.g., large print or as a recording, or requires information in an alternative language or the services of a translator, this can be provided as long as the cost is reasonable.

10.3    Square Roots will also seek to make Service Charges fair, transparent, and affordable specifically for families in larger accommodation, and for families and individuals occupying wheelchair accessible homes, whereby the homes are much larger, to meet the needs of the families and/or individuals, and a service charge based on unit type is a more equitable and fairer distribution. This will normally apply across much larger communities, as these generally have a higher or disproportion percentage of larger family and wheelchair accessible homes. (section 4.3 & 4.4).

11.    Value for Money

11.1    Square Roots will benchmark performance against similar organisations to monitor quality, performance, and cost effectiveness.  It will also strive to deliver best practice and achieve top quartile performance.

12.    Consultation

12.1    Square Roots will consult with tenants and leaseholders about the development of service charge practices which affect them, this will be done through our Customer Community Committee’s that will be established for every new community.  

12.2    Square Roots will follow statutory Major Works (S.20) consultation procedures where required.

12.3    Square Roots will also   consult and engage tenants and leaseholders on all services that need to be delivered to ensure all health & safety compliance is met, and all maintenance of the building and wider estate services are met. 
    
13.    How the Policy will be implemented

13.1    The Estate Manager is responsible for ensuring the implementation and operation of this policy, and the Head of Compliance & Customer Services is responsible for all legislative requirements, reviews and updates.

14.    Challenges & Complaints Procedure

14.1     Challenges to Service Charges -

    If a customer feels that their service charge is incorrect or does not reflect the     services delivered/received on their estate they can contact the Customer Service     team via email, telephone, letter or in person to raise their concern.

14.2     Complaints Procedure -

    If a customer wishes to raise a complaint or they are dissatisfied with the outcome     of 14.1 then they can raise a complaint via their preferred channel, which will be     managed in line with our Complaints & Compliments Policy.

14.3     First-tier Tribunal

    The First-tier Tribunal are able to settle disputes regarding service charges.     Customers are able to make an application to the First-tier Tribunal at any stage.

15.    Performance Measures and Monitoring

15.1     The following service charge information is monitored by Square Roots:

•    Leasehold service charge recovery percentage
•    Leasehold service charge arrears
•    Total Rent arrears (including tenants service charges)

15.2      The Estate Manager is responsible for monitoring this performance. 
        
16.    Review

16.1    The Head of Compliance & Customer Services will review this policy after three years or before if required by legislation or by best practice.

17.    Legislation and other Documents

17.1.    Relevant legislation:
•    Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002
•    Housing Act 1985
•    Housing Act 1996
•    Housing Act 2004
•    Landlord and Tenant Act 1985
•    Leasehold Reform Act 1967
•    The Service Charges (Consultation Requirements) (England) Regulations 2003 (as amended)
•    Service Charge Charter (GLA) 2021
 

1. Scope

1.1. This policy applies to all customers (tenants and shared ownership.) living in homes owned or managed by Square Roots. Where necessary, we would take legal action under the terms of the tenancy agreement, lease, licence and/or other relevant legislation available to us.

1.2. Rechargeable repairs are underpinned by the tenancy agreement, under section 13 ’Damage’, or in the lease agreement, and explained in our Recharge Policy, which will enable Square Roots to recover the costs resulting from customers who fail to meet their obligations.

2. Aims

This policy aims to:

• Detail when we will recharge for repairs or housing management.
• Explain how we will action and recover costs.
• Explain what will happen if residents do not pay recharges.
• Ensure that residents know what they can do if they are not happy with a recharge.

3. Definition

3.1. Damage that has been caused by a customer, their family members or visitors to a property, may be rechargeable. A rechargeable repair is defined as, ‘repairs that are above and beyond normal wear and tear, and arise from abuse, accidental damage, neglect or deliberate and/or malicious damage’.

4. Responsibilities

4.1. The tenancy agreement or lease define a customer’s responsibilities and the obligations of the landlord. These are also addressed in the Repairs and Maintenance Policy.

4.2. Where rechargeable situations are a result of criminal damage, we require a crime reference number. Square Roots will then carry out the required work without charging the resident or service user for these, subject to this being covered by buildings insurance. Customers are expected to protect items within contents insurance.

5. Rechargeable Cost

We will seek to recover costs form our customers in the following situations (this list is not exhaustive):

5.1. Unauthorised alterations where we are unable to grant retrospective consent, and the customer has failed to bring a property back up to an acceptable standard, for health and safety, as determined by Square Roots, within a reasonable requested timescale.

5.2. Where damage has occurred and where the individual has admitted the damage or responsibility has been established by a Court. The cost incurred to repair the damage will be recharged.

5.3. Replacement of lost or broken door entry keys. Customer will be encouraged to arrange this themselves in the first instance.

5.4. End of Tenancy

• Costs associated with removal and storage of goods following the end of a tenancy and expiry of valid notice.
• Any outstanding actions which the resident is responsible for and has not carried out before leaving the property, which incur a cost.
• Any repairs that fall under tenant responsibility, which incur a cost.

5.5. Neighbourhood Management

• Costs associated with clearance of large items or removal of other waste which has been dumped or fly tipped on our land or property.
• Where a vehicle has been abandoned on land that we own, and a cost is incurred for identifying the owner, and removal.
• Any costs associated with ASB where the perpetrator is proven.

5.6. Services for Shared Owners

• Any major works undertaken at the shared owner's request will be agreed,
  estimated and recharged. The shared owner will be expected to pay the recharge
  in advance of any work being completed.
• Repairs and cyclical maintenance works to shared ownership properties, where
  these services are offered and accepted by the shared owner.
• In the above instances a consultation will take place, depending on the cost this
  may be under S.20 consultation (see Service Charge Policy).

5.7. Court Costs/Debt Recovery Fees

Where we incur costs when applying to the court or undertaking court proceedings, we will recharge the customer for these costs.

5.8. Permissions

Where a resident applies for permission from us to alter their property (structural change) and an inspection or inspections are required by one of our employees, each inspection will be charged at a flat rate of £75.

5.9. Missed Appointments

We will recharge residents if they fail to be present for any agreed and confirmed
appointments:

• A standard charge of £35 will be made for each missed appointment (repair or housing management related) which was not cancelled 24 hours in advance.
• This includes any repairs, which we have requested access for, to ensure your home meets the Consumer Standards.
• The resident will also be charged for any materials that cannot be returned or reused because of a missed appointment.

6. Exemptions

Our approach to recharges is to recover costs wherever we are entitled to do so. We will however consider individual circumstances such as vulnerability before recovering costs. There is no exhaustive list and we will review this on a case-by-case basis.

7. Repairs

7.1. When a customer reports a repair, we will inform them who is responsible for that repair.

7.2. Where the work is not done or not completed to the agreed standard, we reserve the right to undertake the work and to charge the customer accordingly. If this happens the resident will be advised in advance of the cost, which will be based on an agreed schedule of rates (the final cost will include VAT and any admin costs).

7.3. Where damage is sustained in a communal area, we will carry out the remedial works and recharge the perpetrator, if known, for this.

7.4. We will only undertake repairs which are not our responsibility in a limited number of circumstances, which include:

• emergency situations, health and safety is our prime concern; we will establish responsibility and arrange any appropriate recharges afterwards.
• where the damage is posing a health and safety risk to residents or members of the public.
• repairs which are the resident’s responsibility, when the resident has permanently left the property or has refused to do the work.
• situations where the repair is necessary to avoid further damage to the property or any other properties.

7.5. There will be a minimum charge of £75 and customers will be expected to make payment to Square Roots in advance of the works proceeding.

8. Recharge Principles

8.1 Upfront payment, where possible, will be made to Square Roots using a credit/debit card. At no time will a cash payment be accepted for recharge works.

8.2 Court action may be pursued when charges remain outstanding. Any associated costs will be recovered from the customer.

9. Appeal Process

If a customer is unhappy with a recharge, which is not covered by this policy, you can  appeal the decision using the Complaints & Compliments Policy.

10. Relevant Policies

• Repairs & Maintenance Policy
• Rent Arrears Prevention & Recovery Policy
• Community and Neighbourhood Nuisance Policy
• Complaints & Compliments Policy

11. Monitor and Review

This policy will be reviewed every three years or earlier whenever there are changes to legislation, good practice or other learning.

Adopted: 13th July 2023
Next Review: July 2026

1.    Purpose and Scope

1.1.    Maximisation of income is imperative to our effective operation. Square Roots recognises that effective rent arrears management is fundamental to high performance and therefore our aim is to ensure and recover all monies that are due.

1.2.    Square Roots has a firm but fair policy that recognises the need to balance our responsibilities to support customers who fail to pay their rent with our responsibilities to our wider customer base to ensure we collect income efficiently and effectively with due regard to the cost of collection.

1.3.    This policy will apply to all customer, both leaseholders and tenants, albeit the legislation that can be called upon to assist with rent recovery will be different.

1.4.    This policy will not differentiate between those customers who make payment direct to Square Roots and those where the rent is paid by Housing Benefit, Universal Credit, Department for Work & Pensions, or Disability Benefit. Square Roots will provide support to all customers regardless of their income status.

2.    Definition

2.1.    Square Roots will ensure the effective management of rent collection, as this is critical to our financial viability.  For the purpose of this policy, rent arrears are defined as any rent payment not made in accordance with the leasehold or tenancy agreement in place.     

2.2.    A former tenant arrear is defined for the purpose of this policy as a debt of unpaid rent or charges, remaining on a rent account, including garage accounts, court costs and/or sub account(s), when a tenancy has been terminated. A former tenant credit is defined as an amount of surplus remaining on a rent account, or any sub account(s), when a tenancy has terminated.
    
3.    Policy Statement

3.1.    Our vision is Unlocking Great Places, Unlocking Quality Homes. Square Roots recognises the detrimental effect rent arrears have on the quality of our service provision to customers and the impact on their lives and the importance of prevention of rent arrears.  The aims of the Policy are to ensure that:
•    We provide timely information and support to customers
•    We will ensure that we have effective systems for rent arrears prevention
•    We will adopt and establish clear procedures for the recovery of arrears.

3.2.    Information and Support

Square Roots will:
•    Promote a payment culture emphasising the responsibilities for rent payment from initial contact with prospective customer and throughout their relationship with us.  
•    Make every effort during the sales or nominations process, when in contact with customer, to inform them of their responsibilities to pay rent in line with their lease or tenancy agreement.  We will also seek to identity any support needs to help a customer manage their rent account and protect their interest in their lease or tenancy agreement with Square Roots. 
•    Maximise income for vulnerable customers by actively referring them to any local welfare advice or citizens advice service, to provide advice and guidance on financial matters including benefit advice, budgeting, debt counselling and promotion of good money management.  We will promote these services through a wide range of media sources including our website. 
•    Issue rent statements for all leaseholders and tenants on a monthly basis so that customers are aware of the current position of their rent account.  These are also available on demand if requested. 
•    Develop and maintain links with local statutory and voluntary agencies to provide support and assistance to customers in managing or preventing arrears. 
•    Offer support to customers impacted by welfare reforms, or other economic or financial implications to find the most appropriate payment plan and payment method, and to assist with applications for benefits, and/or applications for more suitable accommodation where appropriate.

3.3.    Arrears Prevention

Square Roots will:
•    Enable customers to pay arrears using a variety of payment methods that are flexible, accessible, and convenient to use.  We will encourage and actively promote the use of cost-effective payment methods including direct debits and standing orders as our preferred methods of payment. 
•    Have a clear and consistent approach to rent arrears recovery that promotes consistent monitoring or rent payments, early intervention, arrears prevention and regular contact with our customers throughout the life of their lease or tenancy agreement. 
•    Capture and record changes to customer profiling data and encourage residents to inform Square Roots and welfare benefit providers of any changes in their personal circumstances.

3.4.    Former Tenant Arrears

Square Roots will:
•    Ensure that customers are made aware of their obligations even after termination of their tenancy. Upon notice of termination, the tenant will be made aware of any rental balance due, and a forwarding address will be requested.
•    Agree a realistic payment plan where the outgoing tenant is not in the position to clear any balance prior to termination.
•    Pursue all recoverable former tenant arrears. Where no forwarding address is given, every effort will be made to trace the former tenants’ whereabouts using systems available to us, including use of a debt collection agency.
•    Commence recovery action where failure to agree to or maintain an acceptable repayment arrangement has occurred.

3.4.    Grounds for write off

Square Roots will recommend to the relevant investor to write off debts in the      following circumstances:
•    Customer is deceased, with no estate
•    Unable to trace customer
•    Debt is uneconomical to pursue
•    Statute barred- debt is over 6 years old, no legal action has been taken and there has been no contact 
     Cases will be reported to the relevant investor monthly.

3.5.    Credit and Refunds

Square Roots will strive to make a prompt refund to a former customer where a credit is on account at termination. In all cases checks will be made with local housing benefit department or other agencies that pay rent charges to ascertain if any overpayments are outstanding and to be recovered from Square Roots. No refund of a credit account will be issued to a resident where there are other debts owing to Square Roots regardless of the age of those debts.

3.6.    Clear Procedures

Square Roots will:
•    Take prompt action to recover rent arrears when required and aim to recover debt within the shortest possible timescale to maximise income. Debt payment will be prioritised towards service charges arrears first and then rent, to make sure that contributions to common parts and estate service are maintain for the benefit of all customers. 
•    Take appropriate action through all relevant legislation and as a last resort through the County Courts to action the recovery of arrears. 
•    We will adhere to the County Court’s pre-action protocol on possession claims for rent arrears, with regards to customer who hold the benefit of a tenancy agreement in order to take possession of a property (eviction) only as a last resort. 
•    Request a direct payment of any housing element of Universal Credit from Department of Work and Pensions in line with their Alternative Payment Arrangement guidelines if a customer is in receipt of such benefit. 
•    Give advice to Assured Shorthold tenants on their obligations to fulfil their contractual obligations within their tenancy agreement.  In the absence of exceptional circumstances, we will use the provision of mandatory Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 for those residents who are in persistent rent arrears during their probationary tenancy. 
•    Give advice to Leaseholders on their obligations to fulfil the terms of their lease agreements. 
•    Make use of the provision of mandatory Ground 8 of the Housing Act 1988 in very exceptional circumstances.  This would be for persistent non-payment without cause and where all other avenues of ensuring recovery of rent due have been exhausted. 
•    Ensure customers are always paying rent monthly in advance, rather than in arrears, and where possible encourage them to be one month in credit at all times. 
•    Ensure our staff are knowledgeable and equipped with the right tools to provide an effective income management service by regularly training our staff in procedures to recover arrears, welfare benefits and welfare reform matters.

3.7.    Withdraw of Services

If there is debt due to Square Roots by the customer, we will consider withdrawal/denial of the following services:
•    Transfer to another Square Roots property
•    Mutual exchanges with another customer (for tenanted customers)
•    Tenancy renewals for customers in rented properties
•    Staircasing (for leasehold customers) – unless the arrears are recovered as part of the staircasing process

4.    Equality and Diversity

4.1.    Our customers are diverse, and this will be taken into account during the implementation of this policy:
•    We will take into account the individual needs of our customer and tailor our approach and actions appropriately. 
•    All correspondence and literature will be in plain English and jargon free.
•    If required, we can provide information in alternative formats such as large print or Braille and translation by the use of Language Line. 
•    We will take account of a customer’s vulnerability and will contact customer by their preferred method of contact. 
•    We will seek to monitor the profile of customer who fall into arrears or are evicted to ensure we are treating everyone fairly.

5.    Value for Money

5.1.    Square Roots believes that arrears prevention is more effective in the long term than arrears recovery.  This policy is designed to ensure the best use of resources, and the delivery of a value for money service.

5.2.    Square Roots will use a range of preventive measures to help sustain tenancies and minimise the use of possession action.

5.3.    Square Roots will benchmark performance against similar organisations to monitor quality, performance and cost effectiveness and strive to deliver best practice services and achieve top quartile performance in the sector.

6.           Consultation

6.1.    Square Roots has adopted a Customer Charter which promotes Respect, Communication, Impartiality, Transparency, Improvement, and Empowerment. Square Roots will consult with its customers on a regular basis to make sure that their policies and procedures are fair, transparent, and effective.

7.           How will the policy be implemented?

7.1    In complying with this policy Square Roots will ensure that:
•    Clear and consistent procedures are in place
•    Arrear’s prevention information is clear, straightforward, and promoted proactively to customers
•    Rent Recovery procedures make best use of I.T. and communication methods in order that the management of arrears is effective and efficient.

8.           Performance Measure and Monitoring

8.1.    Rent Arrears prevention will be measured by the following indicators:
•    Current rent arrears as % of gross rent
•    Number of recovery cases, or budget plans as % of overall property numbers
•    Number of evictions, court hearings and notices of seeking possession served on an annual basis (tenanted properties only)

8.2.    The Operations Director will monitor this policy to ensure it meets positive practice and statutory requirements.

8.3.    The policy will be monitored through KPI’s to the board on a quarterly basis.

9.           Review

9.1.    We will review this policy on a three-years cycle, or when a business need arises.

10.           Legislation and Other Documents

10.1.    Legislation around debt advice requires that Square Roots ensure that any staff have the necessary training and licence to provide specific advice on debt and budget management, or that if this skill is not captured in house, then they have the appropriate skills to signpost customers to the most appropriate welfare advisors, or citizen advice bureau.

Adopted:         5th April 2022

Reviewed:         13th July 2023

Next Review:         April 2025

The allocations and lettings policy is used for allocating and letting homes to tenants and managing applications for affordable home ownership properties. It sets out:

•    The aims of our approach to allocations and lettings
•    Who we will and will not house
•    Routes by which people can apply for a home
•    Routes by which existing tenants can move to a new affordable home
•    How tenancies and leases will be granted and managed
•    Details of decision makers and how to challenge decisions.
It is aligned with the regulatory standards published by the Regulator of Social Housing, and the requirements for allocations specified in the Capital Funding Guides published by Homes England and the London Mayor.

Where planning obligations require specific approaches to allocations for schemes, local lettings policies will be adopted to implement these requirements. 

1.    Policy aims

Square Roots is committed to providing a range of quality affordable homes that will meet local housing requirements and therefore assist local authorities in the delivery of their housing strategies. In doing this Square Roots will:
•    Promote and enable choice of accommodation for people whose housing options are restricted by virtue of their income in relation to local house prices
•    Encourage and promote social inclusion whilst creating sustainable communities
•    Ensure that access to housing is on a fair and equitable basis while ensuring that allocations optimise the best use of Square roots’ assets
•    Let properties in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements and with the intention of incurring minimal loss of rent and service charge income
•    Comply with financial and regulatory controls relating to the allocation and sale of affordable housing properties.

2.    Policy scope

This policy covers our approach to allocations for all affordable housing, specifically:

•    Social and Affordable Rent, including London Affordable Rent
•    Shared Ownership 
•    Discounted Market Rent/Intermediate
•    London Living Rent

3.    Social and Affordable Rented homes (including London Affordable Rent)

Social and Affordable Rented housing offers households in the greatest need of accommodation access to secure, affordable and well managed homes.

The approaches to allocations set out in this policy will help Square Roots to:
•    Build and sustain diverse and balanced communities 
•    Maximise opportunities for mobility among tenants of social housing
•    Minimise the cost of homelessness to local authorities and to council taxpayers
•    Make efficient use of housing resources, including incurring minimal rent loss
•    Ensure that access to housing is on a fair and equitable basis
•    Let properties in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements 
•    Let properties in accordance with relevant nominations agreements.

Who we house? 

Our primary purpose as a Registered Provider is to provide accommodation for people in housing need who are unable to afford to buy or rent housing on the open market. It is expected that all applicants will meet the eligibility criteria, which will normally be set by the relevant local authority. All applications for housing will be considered carefully before an offer of accommodation is made and, in some cases, we may request additional information. 
Where prospective tenants require support to enable them to access or maintain a tenancy Square Roots will take those needs into account and aim to provide the support required through our own services or through other agencies. Support needs will not be a bar to applicants providing that the necessary support can be provided and is in place at the start of the tenancy agreement. 

Who we cannot house? 

By law, certain households (provided that they are not existing tenants) are not eligible, including:
•    households subject to immigration control, including asylum seekers (although there are exceptions to this rule, each will be treated on its merit by the Local Authority responsible) 
•    households who have come from abroad and do not qualify for public funds (e.g., social security benefits). 
Local Authorities also have powers to treat as ineligible any applicant who has behaved badly enough to make them unsuitable to be a tenant. This may have happened in an existing or a previous tenancy. Examples of such behaviour include: 
•    repeated or significant non-payment of rent 
•    certain breaches of tenancy conditions 
•    behaviour (either that of the applicant(s) or of someone living with or visiting them) that is likely to cause nuisance or annoyance to others 
•    using the home for immoral or illegal purposes
•    committing an arrestable offence in or near the home 
•    serious neglect of the condition of the home 
•    getting a tenancy by providing false information or paying someone for it 
An applicant who has behaved in such a way will be ineligible for allocation to a Square Roots property. Applicants have the right to request a review of any decision on eligibility and a right to be informed in writing of the decision on review and clear grounds for that decision. 

Choice Based Lettings 

We will participate in local and regional choice-based lettings schemes to give applicants greater choice in meeting their housing needs, within the context of any Local Lettings Plans adopted. As required by the Mayor, in London we will offer 5% of our grant funded homes in each scheme via the Housing Moves scheme, to support mobility around London .
Applicants are expected to actively look for and express their interest in advertised vacant properties that they want to live in. This expression of interest is known as a ‘bid.’ Bidding will occur for all vacant properties advertised through a choice-based lettings scheme. The rules for bidding will be those that are set by the local choice-based lettings scheme. 
Square Roots, working with the Local Authority and other partner agencies, will assist applicants to express interest where they: 
•    Do not have access to the internet 
•    Have a disability or health condition that would prevent them from accessing the web site 
•    Are absent due to illness 
•    Require additional assistance

 
Where an applicant is put forward for accommodation through the choice based letting scheme their individual circumstances will be considered prior to allocation in every case using the information provided by the applicant on their application form and any information provided subsequently. 

Waiting list 

Generally, it is not the intention of Square Roots to hold a waiting list. Square Roots will usually adopt a 100% nominations agreement with relevant local authorities for its social and affordable rented properties. This means that all lettings will be made to people on the local authority housing register who bid through the choice-based lettings scheme or who are directly nominated by the Council. Lettings will occasionally be made outside of this agreement, for example where Square Roots allows a discretionary succession to a tenancy. However, in London, 5% of properties in each grant funded scheme will be made available through the Housing Moves scheme, rather than to Local Authority nominees, to support pan-London mobility. 
In exceptions where allocation through a formal nomination’s agreement is not possible then approved local referral agencies, or 100% nominations to the GLA via their Housing Moves Scheme will be used. 

Housing need and priority 

As demand for affordable housing to rent is greater than the number of properties available, Square Roots prioritises allocations of vacant properties to applicants in the greatest need. This system of prioritisation will be facilitated by our participation in nominations agreements and choice-based lettings schemes and will be linked to Local Lettings plans where appropriate. 
Generally, vacant housing will be offered to the top applicant identified through choice-based lettings at the time of the vacancy, whose housing needs and requirements best match the property type available. However, in certain circumstances this may not be the case, for example, where a property has been adapted and that adaptation may be more suitable to an applicant with fewer points, or if the lifestyle of the applicant with the highest number of points is considered to be unsuitable for that property. 
Where an offer to the top applicant is not made, this will be recorded together with the reason for the decision. 
Where an offer of housing has been made and accepted and it transpires that the applicant has given false information, we may commence legal action for repossession to end the tenancy. 

References 

Potential tenants nominated through choice-based lettings schemes will need to provide two satisfactory references that demonstrate their ability to pay their rent and, where appropriate, how well they have conducted any previous tenancy held by them. One of the references must be from a current landlord. Where there is no current landlord, the reference must be from a former landlord. 
A limited number of applicants (including homeless persons) may not have to provide references. References will not normally be accepted from friends or family members except where there has been no other housing history. Applicants will be asked to consent to information being shared with other housing providers and housing service providers. 

Identification and reference verification 

Before an offer of accommodation is made, Square Roots will need to be satisfied that information provided by the applicant at registration accurately reflects their housing circumstances. In most cases, this second verification process will be carried out shortly before an offer of accommodation is made. 
Prospective tenants will also be subject to Know Your Customer checks, in order that we can meet our obligations under the Money Laundering Regulations.

Transfers 

Existing Square Roots tenants wishing to move to another Square Roots property are subject to the same needs criteria as other applicants. However, where they live in a home that is in high demand, or they are seriously under occupying a property and are prepared to move to properties in lesser demand or of a more appropriate size, then they may be given additional priority. 

Decants 

Where existing Square Roots residents are required to move because essential works are to be carried out that cannot be undertaken with the residents in occupation, an offer of accommodation within permanent stock, in an area of choice for the tenant, will be provided where possible. However, this will not always be possible due to lack of supply. 

Mutual exchange 

Square Roots subscribes to online services which will enable its tenants to seek a mutual exchange with another social housing tenant. 

Number of offers 

Square Roots will not normally restrict the number of offers made. However, where an offer is unreasonably refused by the applicant, further offers of the same type of property in the same area may not be made. 
Tenants transferring and those being decanted will normally receive two reasonable offers of accommodation. For transfers, if offers are rejected tenants will be removed from the list and can only re-apply 12 months later unless there is a substantial change of circumstances. In the case of decants, Square Roots would consider its legal position with regards to gaining possession. 
A reasonable offer should meet the essential needs of the household e.g., in terms of size or level of accommodation. Square Roots will note preferences for area and attempt to take this into account when offering property, but this may not always be possible.

Homes for people with a disability

These properties are usually purpose built or specially adapted for use by disabled people. When these properties become vacant, they are reserved for households needing the specialised facilities offered by the property, regardless of the priority of other applicants. However, where there is little interest, Square Roots may choose to make these properties available for general purpose lets. 

Pets 

Except in the case of assistance dogs, pets will be permitted only in Square Roots properties where our own interest in the property does not require us to restrict this. Applicants should seek the written permission of Square Roots if they wish to keep a pet in their home. 

Registered sex offenders 

Registered sex offenders are required to inform Square Roots when they apply for housing that they are a registered sex offender as it is a criminal offence under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 for offenders to withhold this information. The risk posed by Sex Offenders cannot be assessed by Square Roots who will be guided on this by agencies charged with the management and monitoring of sex offenders including the police and social workers. 

When we may not offer accommodation 

There are a small number of people that Square Roots will not allow to live in our homes. This helps Square Roots to provide a better quality of life for all of its customers and the wider community. 
Square Roots may not re-house people in the following circumstances, if the applicant, the applicant’s spouse, partner, or someone who lives with the applicant: 

•    has been evicted from a social letting in the past
•    owe Square Roots or another Registered Provider money and has not made and kept to an agreement to pay this debt 
•    have been subject to an Anti-Social Behaviour Order or ASB injunction 
•    pose a threat to the community 
•    has previously failed to maintain a probationary tenancy 
•    has given false information on the application form or during an interview to obtain one of our homes 
•    has been evicted from interim housing and has made themselves homeless 
•    has sensory or physical impairments and need help from external agencies to help them sustain a tenancy but have refused such help 
•    has serious mental health problems that result in them being unable to sustain a tenancy even with assistance from specialist support agencies. 
Appeal against ineligibility
If an applicant is unhappy with the decision not to grant a tenancy, their complaint will be dealt with in line with the Complaints Policy and Procedure. 

Lettings

All new tenants will be provided with a copy of 
•    The tenancy agreement 
•    The support agreement (if relevant) 
•    Appropriate tenant information
•    Relevant fire and gas safety information 
•    A housing benefit form or information on how to claim Universal Credit, if applicable
•    Contact details for Square Roots and our managing agents. 
 

Tenure 

Probationary tenancies will be offered to all new tenants. This will be a 12 month Assured Shorthold Tenancy which will be reviewed to determine if the tenancy has been satisfactorily maintained. If a further tenancy is offered, then this will be for a fixed term of five years. A probationary tenancy may be extended in accordance with the terms of the tenancy agreement. 
Joint tenancies 
Square Roots will grant joint-named tenancies on all occasions when individuals seek housing as a couple, unless any one of the joint tenants are ineligible for accommodation in which case a joint tenancy will not be granted. 
 

Confidentiality 

The privacy of applicants will be respected, and care will be taken to maintain confidentiality. Personal data will be collected and stored in line with our GDPR data protection policy. Responsible information sharing can play a key role in the letting of our homes, and GDPR compliant information sharing protocols with local authorities and partners will be followed where they are in place. 
Relevant information from landlords, doctors, etc. may need to be obtained and applicants are required to sign a declaration giving permission for this to be done.

4.    Discounted Market Rent / Affordable Private Rent homes/Intermediate

Affordable Private Rent offers tenants the opportunity to access a quality rented home for less than the local average market rent. 
Eligibility

To be eligible for Affordable Private Rent, applicants must:
•    Have a household income of between £60,000 and £90,000
•    Have insufficient savings to purchase a home in their local area
•    Be registered on their local authority intermediate housing waiting list if one exists.
Viewings and applications

All our properties will be advertised on our website and through other property marketing services including, where available, those offered by local authorities to target households in need of intermediate housing. All allocations will be made to eligible households who apply directly to Square Roots or our agent.

Households should apply for the specific property they wish to rent, by using the form available on our website. Property viewings will be arranged for potential applicants by us or our agent.

Square Roots, or our agent, will conduct checks to establish that applicants are eligible to hold an assured shorthold tenancy in the UK, are eligible for Affordable Private Rent, and are able to afford the accommodation applied for. Prospective tenants will also be subject to Know Your Customer checks, in order that we can meet our obligations under the Money Laundering Regulations.

If a joint application is made both applicants must become joint tenants i.e., be named on the tenancy agreement.

There is no restriction on the number of applications a household can make for Square Roots properties.
Prioritisation

Allocations will be managed in line with the s106 agreement relevant to the individual property or other agreement with the local authority. This may specify that applicants must have a connection to the local area, or that priority must be given to such households. We will advise households of any criteria that restrict allocations or determine prioritisation of applications when we advertise properties and when we process applications.

Where there are no restrictions imposed by planning or funding conditions, we will prioritise completed applications in the order in which we receive them. A completed application is one which is accompanied by all the required supporting information.

We will not accept further applications for a property after it has been allocated. 
Tenure and tenancies
Square Roots residents of Affordable Private Rent homes will be subject to an Assured Shorthold tenancy of up to 3 years in duration, with a 6-month tenant break clause. It is expected that the tenancy would not be terminated in the first three years, subject to the tenancy being satisfactorily maintained.

On signing the tenancy and receiving keys, all new tenants will be provided with a copy of
•    The tenancy agreement
•    Appropriate tenant information (including estate management guide and contacts)
•    Relevant fire and gas safety information
•    Contact details for Square Roots and our managing agents.

5.    Shared Ownership

Shared Ownership offers households the opportunity to buy a share of a property whilst paying rent on the part they do not own. Initial shares sold will be between 10% and 75% of the value of the home. If the lease allows it, households can usually choose to buy larger shares until they own the property outright.
Eligibility

To be eligible for a shared ownership property, applicants must:
•    Have a household income of less than £80,000 (£90,000 in London) and be otherwise unable to purchase a property suitable to meet their housing needs on the open market
•    Be able to fund the deposit and other purchase costs through savings or other funds
•    Not own or have an interest in another property (although households may apply while they are selling or discharging interest in another property, including a shared ownership property).
Viewings and applications

Households must apply for the shared ownership scheme and also apply for the specific property they wish to purchase.

Households interested in purchasing a shared ownership property should apply to register with the relevant HomeBuy agent, through the GLA portal or local

authority website in the first instance, who will check their eligibility for the shared ownership scheme.

All our properties for sale will be advertised through the relevant HomeBuy agent, the GLA portal, the local authority website and our own website.

Households should indicate their interest in specific Square Roots properties by using the form available on our website. Property viewings will be arranged for potential applicants by us or our agent.

Households wishing to apply for a property should complete and submit an application to an independent mortgage broker, who will conduct an affordability assessment.

If a joint application is made both applicants must become joint owners i.e., be named on the lease and on any mortgage on the property.

There is no restriction on the number of applications a household can make for Square Roots properties.
Allocation’s criteria and process

Affordability

Square Roots, or agents acting on our behalf, will assess whether applicants are able to afford the mortgage, rent and other costs of being a homeowner without hardship. We will also carry out credit checks on applicants.

Identity and source of funds

Prospective owners will also be subject to Know Your Customer checks, in order that we can meet our obligations under the Money Laundering Regulations.

Prioritisation

Allocations will be managed in line with the s106 agreement relevant to the individual property or other agreement with the local authority. This may specify that applicants must have a connection to the local area, or that priority must be given to such households. We will advise households of any criteria that restrict allocations or determine prioritisation of applications when we advertise properties and when we process applications.

After applying local planning requirements, we will give priority to armed forces personnel who are currently serving or who have left service in the two years prior to their application. This is in line with government guidelines on allocation of shared ownership properties.

Where there are no restrictions imposed by planning or funding conditions, we will prioritise completed applications from non-armed forces personnel in the order in which we receive them. A completed application is one which has been approved by the independent mortgage broker and is accompanied by all the required supporting information.

We will not accept further applications for a property after it has been allocated.

Fees

When applicants have completed and passed their full financial assessment, been offered a new build property and wish to proceed, we will ask for a reservation fee up to the value of £500. This will be deducted from the purchase price when the sale completes.

A 14-day cooling off period commences after the fee is taken. If the reservation is cancelled during this time, the reservation fee is refunded in full. After this period, the reservation fee is non-refundable.  
Time scales

For sales of new build properties, we normally expect exchange of contracts within 21 days of receiving a reservation fee unless other timescales are specified. Completion should take place two weeks afterwards, subject to the completion date of the development. We may withdraw an offer of sale if these timescales are unreasonably delayed by the purchaser.

For off plan sales, the purchaser will move forward to exchange, within 21 days, with completion on notice.

For resale homes, the timescales will be agreed between purchaser and seller.
Leases

All shared owners will be issued with a standard shared ownership lease with a lease term of 990 years. A lease will be issued whether the leaseholder has purchased a flat or a house.

Where a shared owner’s lease states an approach to rents that is different from our rent setting policy, the lease takes precedence. 

6.    London Living Rent offers tenants the opportunity to save for a deposit whilst paying an affordable rent, and to purchase their home (including on a shared ownership basis) within 10 years. 
Eligibility

To be eligible for London Living Rent, applicants must:
•    Be renting within London, in either a social or private tenancy
•    Have a household income no higher than £60,000
•    Have insufficient savings to purchase a home in their local area
Viewings and applications

All our properties will be advertised through the Share to Buy portal. All allocations will be made to eligible households who apply directly to Square Roots. 
Households should apply for the specific property they wish to rent, by using the form available on our website. Property viewings will be arranged for potential applicants by us or our agent.

Square Roots, or our agent, will conduct checks to establish that applicants are eligible to hold an assured shorthold tenancy in the UK, are eligible for London Living Rent, and are able to afford the accommodation applied for.

If a joint application is made both applicants must become joint tenants i.e., be named on the tenancy agreement.

There is no restriction on the number of applications a household can make for Square Roots properties.
Prioritisation

Allocations will be managed in line with the s106 agreement relevant to the individual property or other agreement with the local authority. This may specify that applicants must have a connection to the local area, or that priority must be given to such households. We will advise households of any criteria that restrict allocations or determine prioritisation of applications when we advertise properties and when we process applications.

Where there are no restrictions imposed by planning or funding conditions, we will prioritise completed applications in the order in which we receive them. A

completed application is one which is accompanied by all the required supporting information.

We will not accept further applications for a property after it has been allocated. 
Tenure and tenancies
Square Roots residents of London Living Rent homes will be subject to an Assured Shorthold tenancy of up to 3 years in duration, with a 6-month tenant break clause. It is expected that the tenancy would not be terminated in the first three years, subject to the tenancy being satisfactorily maintained. 
On signing the tenancy and receiving keys, all new tenants will be provided with a copy of
•    The tenancy agreement
•    Appropriate tenant information (including estate management guide and contacts)
•    Relevant fire and gas safety information
•    Contact details for Square Roots and our managing agents.

7.    Lettings and sales to staff, board members or their relatives

Where a member of Square Roots staff or board, or their close relative, applies for accommodation, Board approval must be given before an allocation can be made. A report will be made to the Board for decision. This also applies to any other member of Square Roots parent or sister companies. 

8.    Persons by whom decisions are made
Decisions under the Allocation policy, and any discretion shown in the Allocation policy as belonging to the board, may be taken by officers of Square Roots or other organisations who have been given the appropriate delegated authority by the board.

9.    Appeal
If an applicant wishes to appeal an allocation decision, including a decision not to grant a tenancy or make a sale, their representation will be dealt with in line with the Complaints Policy and Procedure.

10.    Monitor and Review
We’ll monitor the performance of our lettings service by: 
•    Periodic reports via the organisation’s performance scorecard 
•    Core reports 
•    Regular cross departmental team meetings 
•    Using customer satisfaction surveys
•    Undertaking relevant checks to verify identities of all applicants to prevent tenancy fraud
This policy will be reviewed every three years. The board of Square Roots will consider and take into account the housing policies of relevant local authorities (e.g., the tenancy and planning policies), those of the Greater London Authority, and regulatory requirements when updating the policy.

Adopted        5th October 2021

Reviewed        8th September 2022
Reviewed        8th February 2023
Reviewed        13th July 2023

Next Review:        September 2025

RESPECT

At Square Roots we are dedicated to building a capital for everyone who wants to live and work here. We strive to provide exemplary customer service, respectful and courteous at every stage of your journey with us.

COMMUNICATION

Building homes requires precision and meticulous detail, much like finding your new home. To keep things simple, we will always ensure the information we provide is clear and easy to follow. For the best experience with us we ask you do the same, so we can meet your needs to our fullest potential.

IMPARTIALITY

We are an independent body and undertake all work fairly and impartially, regulated by the RSH. 

TRANSPARENCY

Our word is our bond. We’re honest and operate a process of visibility and openness. We will publish information about our work and service complaints system whilst never compromising confidentiality.

IMPROVEMENT 

Evolution is constant. We operate a policy of continuous improvement, to ensure we build homes we want to live in and with the level of care we would expect. Your feedback is essential for us, and by answering our customer surveys you can help us meet our goal to make London even greater.

EMPOWERMENT

We want to help people find a home in places they want to live, to set down roots and be part of a community. We will support our customers to develop and implement opportunities for involvement and empowerment, especially with property management and maintenance of their homes.

1. Policy Purpose

1.1. This policy covers nuisance behaviour, which is a general term used to describe day-to-day incidents of nuisance, annoyance and disorder that negatively affect people’s lives e.g. noise nuisance.

1.2. Nuisance behaviour is a common form of anti-social behaviour (ASB), most complaints about ASB relate to nuisance. This policy will set out the difference between nuisance behaviour and other more serious forms of anti-social behaviour, and our approach to dealing with this.

1.3. This policy determines Square Roots’ role in tackling nuisance behaviour. We recognise that incidents of nuisance can have a very negative effect on neighbourhoods and communities, and it does not just affect those who are directly involved in the situation. Therefore, we take
reports seriously and intend to strike the right balance between prevention, intervention, and enforcement actions.

2. Our Approach

2.1. We believe that the majority of ASB falls under nuisance behaviour, by using this term we hope to manage expectations for both the complainant and the alleged perpetrator. We considered other forms of ASB to be more serious and we have set out how this will be managed.

2.2. We will adopt a supportive approach when working with victims, witnesses, and alleged perpetrators. Flexibility will be key in our approach when dealing with incidents and working in partnership with external agencies and other departments, both internal and external. We also recognise that customers and other agencies share the responsibility for resolution, and it will not always be for Square Roots to lead an investigation or resolve.

2.3. We recognise the detrimental effect that nuisance behaviour can have on our customers, neighbourhoods, and communities. However, it is important that victims and other witnesses of nuisance behaviour are clearly informed of circumstances in which we can intervene, tools and powers that we can use and the range of sanctions available to us. We will not raise expectations that we can take action where we cannot do so, or where primary responsibility and powers lie elsewhere e.g. the police.

2.4. We believe that everyone has the right to their chosen lifestyle providing that this does not breach the terms and conditions of any tenancy agreement or lease and/or negatively affect other people’s quality of life. This necessitates a degree of tolerance and respect for the requirements and needs of other people, and we will always promote this to tenants and leaseholders when responding to their concerns.

2.5. This policy applies to all customers (tenants, licensees, leaseholders, shared ownership, etc.) living in homes owned or managed by Square Roots. Where necessary, we would take legal action under the terms of the tenancy agreement, lease, licence and other relevant legislation available to us.

2.6. Where third parties (managing agents) manage common parts we would expect them to take an active role in resolving nuisance. They should have their own policy, or they will be expected to meet the requirements of this policy.

2.7. We recognise that some forms of nuisance behaviour, such as noise can be an indicator of domestic abuse and we will be sensitive to it when reported to us and consider it in our investigations.

2.8. Sometimes we won’t take any action. For example:

• The alleged perpetrator is not our customer or a visitor to our properties.
• There isn’t enough evidence or support from victims and witnesses.
• The alleged nuisance is caused by reasonable everyday behaviours, such as living noise.
• We believe that the complaints are malicious.
• As a landlord, it isn’t something we believe that we should be involved in.

This list is not exhaustive, and in these cases, we will offer advice and guidance to encourage customers to manage the situation themselves.

Policy Objectives

3.1. This policy aims to ensure that:

• We support initiatives to prevent nuisance behaviour occurring- keeping the neighbourhood safe and internal areas secure.
• Our customers know how to report nuisance behaviour and criminal activity, and they know what to expect from Square Roots.
• All customers are treated in a fair, equitable and consistent manner, while we consider the needs and vulnerabilities of our customers when investigating or taking enforcement actions during the management of nuisance reports, regardless of ethnicity, religion, sexuality, age, gender, or disability.
• Staff at Square Roots and our customers are aware that we take nuisance behaviour and criminal activity seriously and are committed to tackle it.
• Customers understand that neighbours can talk to each other and resolve disputes locally themselves.
• We take positive action, working closely with partners (other agencies) to encourage them to take the lead in tackling crime on our estates and to ensure a collaborative approach is taken in tackling other nuisance behaviour.
• We use evidence obtained from a range of sources, including statutory agencies to take enforcement action, where appropriate.
• Victims and witnesses of a crimes or nuisance behaviour receive a tailored response and
  appropriate support and advice.

3.2. In order to achieve our objectives, we will work in partnership with local authorities, police, communities and voluntary groups with an interest in tackling crime and nuisance behaviour.

4. Definitions

4.1. Nuisance Behaviour

We define nuisance behaviour as when a person causes trouble, annoyance or suffering to a community or neighbourhood. Nuisance behaviour is a form of ASB, which is more common, but normally less severe than other forms of ASB. Square Roots will lead investigation on nuisance behaviour, where a Square Roots customer is the alleged perpetrator(s) but will work in partnership when the alleged perpetrator(s) is not a Square Roots customer. Examples of nuisance behaviour include the following:

• Noise nuisance
• Pets
• Littering
• Fly Tipping
• Aggressive and/or abusive behaviour
• Abandoned vehicles

This is not an exhaustive list, and we recognise that in cases, depending on the severity and frequency the police may decide to get involved. It is also important to acknowledge that nuisance behaviour can be subjective to the complainant.

Square Roots will work with partner agencies to investigate and mitigate persistent nuisance behaviour. In most cases we would expect to be able to resolve nuisance behaviour with minimal enforcement action.

4.2. Anti-social Behaviour (ASB)

The Government’s website (.gov.uk) describes ASB as a range of nuisance and criminal behaviours which are causing distress to others. Whether someone’s actions can be classed as ASB relies heavily on the impact it has on other people, this is normally determined by the frequency, type and intensity. For this reason, we have separated out nuisance behaviour. Examples of ASB include the following:

• Theft
• Hate Crime
• Violence
• Illegal drug use

Forms of ASB that are not considered nuisance behaviour, are likely to be more serious, and considered criminal. Square Roots recognises the impact of ASB on our community and neighbourhoods. We will work with partners to resolve, however, crime will be investigated and resolved through specialist intervention from the police or local authority. The role of Square Roots will be to share information, support our customers, this includes using
enforcement action alongside criminal charges, or a notice delivered by the local authority or the police. If proportionate and appropriate, this may include the use of the absolute grounds for possession along with the other actions and enforcement powers available to us, in partnership with other agencies, ensuring that we comply with the pre-action protocols for possession cases.

4.3. What is not considered as nuisance behaviour or ASB?

Reports around ball games, disputes over boundary issues, actions which amount to people being unpleasant (e.g. staring at or ignoring people), parking and other neighbourhood issues are not generally considered to be nuisance behaviour.

Reports due to different lifestyles or every-day living situations, which are not intended to cause annoyance are not generally considered nuisance behaviour or ASB. These include: children playing, babies crying, household noise due to every-day living (e.g. proportionate TV, music / radio noise, noise from electrical items such as washing machines or vacuum cleaners and DIY during reasonable hours as defined by local authorities), a one-off party,
BBQ and celebration, cooking odours and reasonable household smells, smoke, minor car maintenance and minor disputes between neighbours or personal differences. While these are examples of possible reports that are not nuisance behaviours, it is important to stress that the list is not exhaustive.

For low level reports of nuisance, if the behaviour is persistent, deliberate and is found to be having a harmful impact on a person or community, and individuals are at risk or potentially at risk of harm, then we will investigate the matter as nuisance in accordance with this policy.

5. Our Commitment

5.1. To effectively prevent and tackle nuisance behaviour and ASB, we will:

• Demonstrate leadership, accountability, and commitment in working with partners to tackle nuisance behaviour, so that we all fulfil our respective responsibilities and give a clear message to everyone that we take nuisance behaviour seriously.
• Ensure that staff are well-trained, have the knowledge and confidence to identify and investigate incidents/reports of nuisance behaviour and ASB and work collaboratively alongside appropriate agencies who are leading on such cases.
• Clearly explain to all new customers, before handing over keys, and at new customer visits, the terms of their tenancy/lease that relate to ASB and causing nuisance, so that expectations and consequences are clear.
• Explain to customers that it is their responsibility to try and resolve disagreements and neighbour disputes by talking to each other and reach a solution based upon mutual understanding.
• Adopt a victim-centred approach in responding to reports of harassment and hate crime. Respond sensitively to the victim and adopt high standards of confidentiality when dealing with victims and witnesses.
• Log all reports of nuisance behaviour and ASB and any referrals to statutory bodies and monitor the outcomes.
• Encourage local customers and community groups to prevent and resolve ASB and other community tensions to promote inclusive and sustainable communities. We will work with those groups to help facilitate community initiatives that prevent nuisance behaviour, as well as diversionary activities to help prevent customers from becoming perpetrators.
• Provide advice and support to customers and witnesses. As part of our investigation into tenancy or lease breaches, in appropriate cases, we will make referrals to Victim Support and other relevant support agencies.
• Where it is necessary, appropriate, and proportionate, we will publicise the outcome of legal action to act as a deterrent, reassure communities and confirm our commitment to taking nuisance behaviour and ASB seriously.
• Take action to evict a perpetrator where it is reasonable and proportionate to do so and the evidence is sufficient and robust enough for a successful possession action.

5.2. Partnership Working

We work in partnership with other agencies to tackle ASB. We’ll let customers know about other agencies who have powers to deal with the problem and how we will work with those agencies to help resolve the issue. If appropriate, we’ll support the agency with action they may take and build relationships with them so that they also support any action we make take.

We may share information with key agencies involved with community safety partnerships and statutory partner agencies. Personal data regarding individuals may be disclosed through formal information sharing protocols and partnership agreements that comply with the Data Protection Act 2018 to allow us to respond quickly to ASB.

6. Categories and Thresholds

6.1. Categories

We will categorise nuisance complaints in the following order:

6.1.1. Category A (ASB/criminal activity- hate crime, violence, drug dealing, etc.)

We expect our customers to report criminal activity to police in the first instance. We will make contact within 24 hours and work with the police on a collaborative basis to tackle criminal activity in our communities and neighbourhoods.

6.1.2. Category B (nuisance behaviour- noise, pets, etc.)

We will investigate Category B cases within 5 working days. We will initially encourage customers to try and resolve noise nuisance from neighbours between themselves and advise customers to report excessive noise to their local council’s environmental health team, as well as keep a record of incidents using diary logs. We will try to work with the local environmental health service that have statutory powers to tackle noise nuisance and serve abatement notices on those responsible for the noise.

6.2. Tools and enforcement powers available

We’ll assess each case and contact the people involved. We’ll often use early interventions such as warning letters, meetings, partnership visits, Acceptable Behaviour Agreements, Good Neighbour Agreements.

If appropriate, we may refer the case to the local authority’s mediation service. These services are provided by an independent company. A range of legal tools can be used if it’s appropriate and there is sufficient evidence.

Our partner agencies enforcement powers such as noise abatement notices and closure orders.

6.3. Community Trigger

Community Trigger is a process customers can use if they have reported nuisance and think that no action has been taken. It makes the police, local council and housing associations review the reports and what they have done to resolve it. The community trigger is managed by Community Safety Partnerships, within the local council, and customers will be signposted to this service for more information.

6.4. Thresholds

Square Roots will not conduct a full investigation into every report, as in some cases the report will not be deemed nuisance or ASB. Examples of this have been set out in this policy. In addition, for one-off events we would expect the customer to try and resolve the problem themselves, first by speaking to their neighbour. Where the nuisance requires a one off action such as removal of dumped rubbish in communal areas, we will instruct the managing agent to remove, but will not investigate the problem unless it meets the local authorities threshold for case review- The Community Trigger.

No threshold will apply if we consider the complainant to be particularly vulnerable and that we have a duty of care.

6.5. We reserve the right not to investigate a case, even when the threshold is met, where we have evidence that the complainant is being unreasonable, vindictive or vexatious. In such instances, the complainant will be informed that we will not be taking further action in relation to that specific complaint and provide an explanation.

6.6. If report of nuisance or ASB is received, it would be dealt with through this policy and not complaint policy. The exception is if the complaint was about the handling of the report.

7. Customers right to Appeal

7.1. If a customer is dissatisfied with our response to tackling nuisance behaviour or objects to the enforcement action, we decide to take against them if they, a member of their household or a visitor to their home are found to be the perpetrator(s) of ASB, they can appeal against this by making a complaint via the Square Roots complaints procedure.

8. Statutory Requirements

There is a range of relevant legislation that addresses different aspects of ASB. Much of the legislation gives powers to the police and local authorities and we will work with them to maximise the tools available to tackle ASB in our communities:

• Housing Acts 1985, 1988 and 1996 – provides grounds for possession and seeking injunctions.
• Protection from Harassment Act 1997
• The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 - enables the police to impose charges for racially aggravated offences and created partnership working.
• Anti-terrorism Crime and Security Act 2001 - extended the scope of the Crime and Disorder Act by creating new specific religiously aggravated offences.
• Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 – along with the Housing Acts provides guidance to social landlords to take action against Square Roots customers causing nuisance in or around their property and community.
• Racial and Religious Hatred Act 2006 - creates a new offence of stirring up hatred against people on religious grounds.
• ASB, Crime and Policing Act 2014 –introduced a mandatory ground for possession for ASB; introduced a new civil injunction, abolished the ASBO and introduced a range of other new powers such as community trigger for the police, social landlords and local authorities to tackle ASB.

9. Monitoring and Review Process

We will monitor the implementation of this policy through regular analysis of customer feedback, case reviews and reports on the specific service standards. We log information relating to tenancy type, race, gender, tenant vulnerability and type of nuisance behaviour.

At intervals we arrange for an independent audit of our procedures and records to ensure that they reflect good practice and are being followed. We will monitor new legislation and best practice and may make use of any new legislation or tools as required. This policy will be approved by the Board and reviewed every three years.

Adopted: 13th July 2023
Next Review: July 2026

1. Purpose

1.1. This policy sets out our commitment to deliver an efficient and effective responsive repairs service that meets the needs of our customers and enables us to fulfil our statutory, regulatory and contractual obligations.

1.2. Carrying out repairs is one of the most important services we deliver to our customers. We want Square Roots homes to be maintained in an affordable manner and ensure all our homes provide our customers with a safe, warm and dry home, where everything is in working order.

2.  Scope

2.1 This policy covers repairs services to customers who rent their home under a tenancy agreement, and those who own them as a leaseholder (whether through shared ownership or outright).  

2.2 Both our repairing obligations and those of our customers vary between those tenures, and this is reflected in the policy. The policy covers responsive repairs within customers’ homes (including their gardens and wider estate, subject to terms of the tenancy, license, or lease agreement), in communal areas, and to communal assets for example, shared gardens, shared spaces including lifts and corridors.

3. Aims

• Ensure we meet our repair obligations so that Square Roots homes are maintained, throughout the duration of the tenancy, to the standard met when they were let.
• Comply with all legislative, regulatory, and contractual (including lease and tenancy) obligations.
• Deliver a cost-effective repairs service which responds to the needs of customers, and which has the objective of completing repairs at the first visit (first time fix).
• Ensure our customers are aware of their repair responsibilities and our repair responsibilities, and where repair responsibilities are theirs, that these are met.
• Communicate effectively to our customers at all times in relation to the delivery of our responsive repairs service and enable them to communicate effectively with us.
• Offer our customers suitable and convenient choice in booking appointments for repairs.

4. Legislation and guidance

4.1 As a landlord we are required to meet certain obligations that are set out in law. Additionally, our tenancy (or leasehold) agreements set out the things that Square Roots is responsible for and the things our customers are responsible for.

4.2 The key areas of legislation in this policy are:

• Building Safety Act 2022
• Defective premises Act 1972
• Landlord and Tenant Act 1985
• Housing Act 1996
• Environmental Protection Act 1990
• Fire Safety Act 2021 
• Gas safety (installations and use) Regulations 1998
• Health and Social Care Act 2008
• Housing Act 2004
• Equality Act 2010
• Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015
• Home Standard, Regulator of Social Housing, 2015
• Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018
• Party Wall Act 2016

5. Definitions

5.1 ‘Customer’ – Any tenant or leaseholder of a property or commercial unit owned and/or managed by Square Roots.

5.2 ‘Repair’ – The process of rectifying a component or installation when it is faulty or in a state of disrepair; in a Square Roots owned and/or managed property.

6. Repair Responsibilities

6.1 Customers must report repairs that are the responsibility of Square Roots, as soon as reasonably possible, to ensure the property does not fall into disrepair.

6.2 What we and our customers are each responsible for is set out in our tenancy/leasehold agreements. In addition, we will maintain a list on our website (Appendix 1 & 2). This list is not intended to be exhaustive, and customers should refer to the appropriate legal document.

7. Repair categories

7.1 Repairs will be classified and responded to within Square Roots’ repair categories and timescales. This will be communicated to the customer once the repair is logged and an appointment agreed.

7.2 The categories and timescales are set out below, as per our Service Level Agreement (“SLA”).

7.3 Emergency repairs will be responded to and made safe within 4 hours. Where possible a full repair will be carried out, if this is not possible, we will arrange a new appointment at a time convenient for the customer.

7.4 Emergency repairs are available out of hours (outside of our business operating hours) for repairs that pose an immediate risk to people and/or property.

8. Reporting repairs

8.1 Customers can report repairs in a variety of ways at a time and place that suits them:

• appointment via customer portal
• telephone
• email
• website
• during your community meeting (non-urgent communal repairs)

8.2 Square Roots’ aim is to arrange a convenient appointment at first contact with the customer and complete the repair, where possible, within one visit.

8.3 Customers should use telephone as the preferred option to report any emergency repair/s.

9. Vulnerable Customers

9.1 Square Roots appreciate and embrace the diversity of our customers, and recognise that this may, on occasion, require a tailored service. At our discretion we may tailor the repairs service offer to these households when appropriate.

9.2 Every attempt will be made to identify any individual circumstances at first point of contact to ensure reasonable adjustments can be made.

10. Inspections

10.1 A pre-inspection maybe required before a repair appointment can be arranged. This will include circumstances where the scope of the repair is unknown. Following the inspection, the repair will be diagnosed and planned within the appropriate timescales.
10.2 To ensure Square Roots is delivering a high-quality repairs service and committed to added value, a sample of completed repairs will be inspected regularly.

10.3 These inspections will be a combination of desktop reviews and on-site inspections.

11. No Access

11.1 Our tenancy, license and leasehold agreements require customers to allow us (including appointed contractors) access to their home to carry out repairs at the agreed appointment time. If we are unable to gain access to carry out the repairs and the integrity of the property, its fabric and/or the safety of the customer or those in the vicinity of the property is compromised, we will take appropriate action to gain access to carry out the repair. This may include but is not limited to obtaining an injunction for access. If we are required to gain access this way, we will consider taking both immediate and retrospective action against the customer for the breach of their tenancy conditions. We may pass on to the customer the costs incurred by us taking this action.

11.2 In the event that we are unable to gain access for a repair, that does not compromise the integrity of the property or the safety of other, due to the customer not being home or nota allowing access, the customer will be notified that the repair has been cancelled and to contact Square Roots to raise another appointment.

12. Major Repairs

12.1 Major Repairs are non-emergency routine repairs that cost over £1000 and will likely be deemed either extensive or improvement to the existing provision, they are not standard repairs.

12.2 Square Roots aims to complete all Major Repairs within 90 days, however in some instances works will form part of a larger programme or alternatively due to their nature will be undertaken within a shorter timeframe where delay would be detrimental to property or person, this will be determined by Square Roots.

12.3 Where we identify the need for a major repair, we will make sure the customer understands the reasons for this and the timeframes involved.  We will also ensure good communication on the progress of these major repairs, where possible.

13. Recharge

13.1 Damage that has been caused by a customer, their family members or visitors to a property, will be rechargeable. A rechargeable repair is defined as, ‘repairs that are above and beyond normal wear and tear, and arise from abuse, accidental damage, neglect or deliberate and/or malicious damage’.

13.2 Rechargeable repairs are underpinned by the tenancy agreement, under section 13, ’Damage’, and explained in our Recharge Policy, which will enable Square Roots to recover the costs resulting from customers who fail to meet their obligations.

14. Alterations

14.1 Customers wishing to carry out any alterations or improvements to their home must apply in writing to Square Roots and receive our written permission prior to any works being undertaken.

14.2 Where customers have carried out alterations or improvements to a property and written permission has been provided, Square Roots will not be responsible for carrying out repairs.

14.3 Where customers have carried out alterations without consent from Square Roots, they may be asked to restore the property to its original state at their own cost.

15. Cyclical Maintenance

15.1 Square Roots have statutory obligations to carry out compliance related safety checks.

15.2 Cyclical maintenance is work required to be carried out on a regular basis to prevent the gradual deterioration of a property, its components and finishes and also to ensure that property standards are maintained, and that Square Roots contributes to the community.

15.3 Every five years Square Roots will undertake a full electrical safety test to all rented properties.

15.4 Square Roots will undertake PAT testing annually, for electrical appliances provided in rented properties.

16. Defects

16.1 Most works carried out as part of new build properties are covered by a defects liability period (DLP). This starts from the date of practical completion for the building or block (and not from the date of occupation of the property). The defects period is 24 months.

16.2 Shared ownership customers should report repairs for new or improved properties via the Customer Care telephone line on 0333 666 4949 or emailing [email protected]

17. Voids

17.1 We aim to let void properties as quickly as possible in order to minimise loss of income.

17.2 In order to achieve this, we will adopt a systematic approach to completing and monitoring any necessary repair work before the property is considered fit for let. 
17.3 Voids will be classified as either minor or major voids, the category will be agreed following inspection:

Minor voids - properties requiring a low value of works (under £x) to bring them up to a lettable standard.

Major voids - properties requiring larger scale, higher value works, for example, bathroom removal and installation, to bring them up to the lettable standard.

17.4 We will have a minimum lettable standard in place, and this will define the nature and extent of repair work that will be carried out prior to a property being let.

17.5 It is our policy to instruct electrical safety checks as well as request an Energy Performance Certificate for each void property (if required) before the new tenant moves in.

18. Adaptations

18.1 Subject to the provision of local authority funding to cover all costs, we will support and assist the carrying out of works which will enable independent living and enhance the quality of life of tenants with particular mobility or other impairments.

18.2 We will only refuse to carry out adaptation work in exceptional circumstances. This will include when:

• The adaptation is technically difficult to achieve without detriment to the property and other tenants.
• Funding is not available.
• The specific advice from relevant agencies is that the proposed adaptation would not be appropriate.

19. Performance, Monitoring and Review

19.1 Square Roots will collate and monitor performance information in relation to repairs strategic key performance indicators.

19.2 Customer satisfaction testing will be conducted regularly on a random selection of completed repairs. Feedback and analysis will be used to identify trends and to continuously improve service delivery.

19.3 Comprehensive records of all repairs and maintenance work will be held with a view to demonstrating transparency in the way work has been carried out and authorised.

19.4 This policy will be reviewed every three years unless there is a significant incident, important change in circumstances or legislation which would warrant a review being carried out at an earlier date.

Adopted:  13th July 2023

Next Review:  July 2026

 
Appendix 1 - Rented Customer

As your landlord, we are responsible for repairs to:

We are responsible for maintaining and repairing the structure and exterior of the building; and communal areas, including the following:

Inside the home
• Maintain gas and electrical heating, and hot water systems
• Offer alternative heating in cases of complete breakdown
• Install and test hard-wired smoke detectors and sprinklers
• Repair water and roof leaks
• Manage pest control in communal areas and inside homes 
• Maintain electrical sockets, wiring and light fittings including sealed lighting (we do not replace bulbs)
• Structural repairs to walls, floors, ceiling, stairs and bannisters

Outside the home
• Maintain and clear gutters, drains and pipework to blocks
• Maintain external doors, window frames and sills
• Repair and maintain communal paving, pathways and outdoor steps leading to the main access point of the building
• Install communal and boundary fencing to public or adjoining private land (not dividing fences between homes)
• Remove dead, diseased or dangerous trees in communal back gardens and in street properties, after assessment

Customer responsibility:

Inside the home
• Maintain and renew of internal decorations
• Please let us know if there is a damp and mould issue in your home as soon as it happens by reporting a repair
• Clear blockages in waste pipes and toilets, even if this is accidental. If the problem persists, contact us
• Maintain any improvements made by you
• Minor repairs to plaster, including filling minor holes and cracks
• Look after and replace sink plugs, tap washers, toilet seats and lids, shower hoses, shower heads
• Replace light bulbs, starter motors for strip lights, fuses
• Fit and maintain doorbells, letterboxes and handles (unless you live in a flat)
• Mend broken glass to your own front doors and windows if you have caused the damage
• Repair and maintain kitchen cupboard doors, drawers, cupboard catches and hinges
• Repair or replace keys and locks because of any damage by you, your family or visitors. This also includes repairs or replacements because keys have been lost.
• Bleed radiators
• Repair and replace internal doors, door handles and latches, including adapting internal doors to fit carpets
• Looking after and replacing floor coverings and carpets

Outside the home
• Maintain dividing fences between you and your neighbour
• Prune and maintain all shrubs, trees and grass within your private garden
• Maintain any improvements made by yourself
• Keep pathways clear of leaves and debris and undertake minor repairs

If any repairs are identified within your 2 year defect liability period, they should be reported to Square Roots. Defect reporting is set out in your Home User Guide.

Your tenancy agreement gives more information about your rights and responsibilities around repairs. If you are not sure who is responsible for a repair in your home, please contact your Customer Services Manager. 
 
Appendix 2 - Leaseholder/Shared Ownership Customer

As your landlord, we (or a managing agent) are responsible for repairs to:

• Communal doors and entrances, halls, lifts and other communal areas
• External repairs and painting of the exterior of the flat or apartment block and any communal areas on a set cycle
• the cost for the works we or the managing agent will incur in maintaining these common parts will be recovered from leaseholder and shared owners through the service charge.

Customer responsibility:

Normally, leaseholders and shared owners are responsible for undertaking all internal repairs to their home at their own expense. This includes items such as the glass in the windows and the window handles and locks.

If you live in a leasehold flat or apartment, you’re responsible for all repairs to the inside of your property.

This includes repairs to:
• Central heating, water heaters and fitted fires
• Sockets switches and light fittings
• Baths, sinks, toilets and cisterns
• Drains and waste pipes

If any repairs are identified within your 2-year defect liability period, they should be reported to Square Roots. Defect reporting is set out in your Home User Guide.