Housing Association Block Of 9 Flats

[sivam]

criminal damage was done to part of railings surrounding the flats. This was caused by men fighting. Police attended in 2 vans. We are being charged for repair. Are we liable

[SirOracle]

You may be liable for the repair of the railings depending on the conditions of your tenancy agreement. However you have a claim against the participants in the fighting. As the police were involved then presumably they will be able to furnish you with the names and addresses of the people who were fighting and caused the damage.

Proceed against them for the costs of repair.

[Daffy6543]

I lived in a housing association house some years ago and when my fence was damaged by some idiot reversing their car at speed through it I was told I wasn't liable to pay as long as I had a crime number (which I did).

[lcg]

erm......no. if you rent, the landlord is responsible for people/things that damage their properties, however, some of the part-owned dwellings do not have the same agreements as renters. look at your tenancy agreement and other documents given to you by your landlord. ask the police about this as well (i.e. about what will happen and what the offenders are charged with - and get the crime number). also, look at your household insurance too. you may have legal cover to deal with this kind od thing. approach the cab if all else fails. without us seeing any documents, it is hard to give you an answer. good luck x

[AlwaysConfused]

My housing association has previously repaired our communal door due to criminal damage (twice now, unfortunately). Our service charge does seem to go up, although I'm unsure if it is a direct result of that.

[sivam]

Thanks all. I should have said 8 of the flats are now privately owned. We were charged for roof repair but were refunded eventually 2 years ago . Will get a crime no.