Repairs & maintenance FAQs

You are responsible for repairing anything you or any guests at your home damage, or any repair needed due to misuse or negligence. Leeds Federated reserves the right to repair any damage and charge you for the work done. In some cases we may also refuse to carry out a repair until you have paid in full for the damage.

You will be charged for:

• repairing damage to entrance doors and broken windows (unless it is criminal damage and you have a crime reference number)
• replacing all lightbulbs including sealed and fluorescent fittings
• damage to kitchen units and internal woodwork, radiators and pipework
• broken cisterns, toilet pans, sinks and other sanitary ware
• call outs for gas and electric if it is due to no money being on the meter
• dealing with flood damage caused by your negligence or the failure of your appliances and;
• repairing damage caused by work you have carried out that was not approved by us

If you move out of your home, we will inspect the property and you will be charged for any repairs you are responsible for. You must also ensure the property is cleared of all belongings and furniture and remove all rubbish or you will be charged a clearance fee.

You can report repairs and book appointments by calling 0113 386 1000;We aim to make non-emergency repairs within an average of 8 days. Depending on the nature of the repair required, some take longer.

General emergency repairs (e.g. severe water leak, loss of all power) will be made safe within 4 hours and repaired within 24 hours.
Emergency gas repairs (e.g. broken boiler, no hot water) will receive a repairs visit within 8 hours during Winter months from 1 October to 31 March. At other times, these will be classed as a non-emergency repair. 

A range of appointments are offered for customer convenience as below:

Morning - 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Avoid School Run- 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Afternoon- 12-5 p.m.
Evening Appointments- 5-8 p.m. (subject to availability)
Saturdays- from September until November, appointments are available on the 4th Saturday of the month ( trade dependent) 8 a.m.-12 p.m.  In December, on the 3rd Saturday of the month (trade dependent) 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

You must allow access within the pre-agreed appointment times, failure to do so may result in you being charged.

If you suspect a gas leak, call the National Gas Emergency Helpline on 0800 111 999 immediately.  

You are responsible for replacing sink and bath plugs and toilet seats. You are also responsible for unblocking sinks, basins and toilets. You must also repair or replace bathroom floor coverings unless we provided them.    

We replace kitchens every 20 years and bathrooms and windows every 30 years on average depending on their condition. We will get in touch with you if  we  need to survey your home to see if they need replacing.

We use high quality paint on the outside of your home and expect painted finishes to last up to 7 years. We will review its condition after 5 years and schedule repainting work when it is needed.

Everyday activities such as cooking, boiling a kettle or drying clothes can cause condensation to build up in your home.
Condensation is formed when warm moist air comes into contact with a cooler surface such as a wall or window. If condensation isn't dealt with, it can cause black mould to grow.

Ways to avoid condensation :

• Use pan lids and turn your extractor fan on when cooking
• Open the window when taking a shower or bath
• Don’t place your furniture against the wall – leave some space for the air to flow
• We don't recommend drying clothes indoors or on radiators, but if you have to open a window

Open windows during the day to allow air to circulate. You can read more about how to deal with condensation here.

For more information and resources about condensation and mould please see our 'how to deal with damp and mould' page.

Black mould is usually caused by condensation. If you find black mould in your house, wipe down the areas with a fungicidal wash available from supermarkets or DIY stores.

To remove the mould, fill a bucket with water, add the fungicidal wash and use a cloth to wipe. Make sure you wear gloves to do this and open windows to ventilate the area. Throw away any cloth you use in a plastic bag. 
 
If your carpets are affected, shampoo them and let them dry out completely. If you take action to prevent condensation building up you should see an improvement within 4 to 6 weeks. If you see no further improvement after taking this action, contact us. 

For more information and resources about black mould please see our 'how to deal with damp and mould' page.

If you suspect a gas leak call the National Gas Emergency Helpline on 0800 111 999 immediately. Open your doors and windows and turn the gas off at the meter (unless it's in a cellar/ basement). Do not use naked flames or electrical switches, including light switches. 

Each year we will carry out a gas safety check at your property. Please remember that gas appliances in your home must only be fitted or connected by a Gas Safe engineer.

We would also advise you to have carbon monoxide detectors fitted in your home. Carbon Monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas which is produced by faulty appliances that can be fatal. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, tiredness and confusion, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.  If you experience these symptoms open your windows and doors and seek medical advice. For more info on gas safety click here.

You are responsible for removing wasps nests, rodents and other pests unless they are in a communal area. If this is the case please call our Repairs Team on 0113 386 1000.

We replace gas central heating / boilers every 15 years on average depending on their condition.  We will get in touch with you if  we need to survey your home to assess if they need replacing.         

We have service standards in place so that you know what to expect when you report a repair.

When you report a repair:

• We will agree an appointment time that is convenient for you
• Our repair work will be done to a consistently high standard
• Our contractors will be professional and respectful when working in your home
• Our contractors will keep your home as clean and tidy as possible
• We will complete the work in the timescale we have agreed with you. If it takes longer than expected, we will keep you informed

If we haven't met our service standards, please get in touch with our Repairs Team on 0113 386 1000 or email repairs@leedsfed.com.

Asbestos was used in a wide range of building material until it was banned in 1999. When materials containing asbestos are damaged or deteriorate they release fibres into the air which can be harmful if you inhale them. It's unlikely that any materials in your home containing asbestos will be harmful if they are left undisturbed. However, you should take extra care if, for example, you are doing DIY which could disturb them.

If you are concerned abut anything in your home that you think may contain asbestos please contact Leeds Federated for advice on 0113 386 1000.

For more information about asbestos download the guide here.

Legionnaires' disease is caused by legionella bacteria which are common in natural water sources such as rivers, lakes and reservoirs. They may also be found in purpose-built hot and cold water systems. People contract Legionnaires' disease by inhaling droplets of water containing the bacteria.

The risk of Legionella causing illness in domestic properties is exceedingly low. For more information on how to reduce the risk download the guide below.

Legionella Guide