Maintenance and Repairs to your Council Home
If you are a tenant in a South Dublin County Council home on which you pay rent you are responsible for repairs of a non-structural nature. Here is a list of tenant responsibilities (subject to the terms of your Tenancy Agreement).
For advice on the following: -
To Make a Repair Request
To report a maintenance request you can do so by logging the request through Housing Online. You can register at Housing Online to set up your account.
If your request for works is an emergency, for example, sparking fuse board, relates to works for a communal area, you are an older tenant or if you require assistance to make your maintenance request, you can do so by telephone on 01 414 9393, our opening hours are Monday to Thursday 9.00am to 5.00pm, Friday 9.00am to 4.30pm. Please make sure that you have your rent account number ready when you call us, as you may be asked to provide it for verification purposes.
Note: only telephone calls in relation to emergency works, communal areas, requests from older tenants, JAM Card holders or persons who require assistance will be taken during office hours. All other requests for maintenance works must be logged online through Housing Online.
If there is a potential risk to human life or significant risk to the property, outside of office opening hours, you can call the emergency line Out of Hours service, after 5.00pm or at the weekend on 01 457 4907.
Only one request per maintenance work repair is required to be logged, multiple requests for the same works will be cancelled and only the first maintenance request for these works will be actioned.
Logging multiple requests for the same works will not increase the category or timeframe assigned to the maintenance request reported.
Please familiarise yourself with works which are deemed the tenant’s responsibility prior to logging your request. These responsibilities can be located through the link provided on the housing online portal in ‘My Repairs’.
Installation of Budget Energy Meters/Pre Paid Power Facilities
All tenants should note that in accordance with the tenancy agreement written application must be made to the Council for permission to have the above type or any meter change made.
All energy suppliers require proof of written confirmation from ourselves which will be granted once a completed application form is received and a check for suitability carried out.
Copies of the application are available at our Customer Care counters in Tallaght or Clondalkin or a copy may be downloaded here.
Alterations
If you are a SDCC tenant and wish to carry out any alterations to your home, you must apply for permission to Maintenance Section at (01) 4149000 or hmaint@sdublincoco.ie
Gas
If you suspect a gas leak, call Gas Networks Ireland 24 hour emergency line: 1850 20 50 50
Condensation
To control condensation remember these key points:
Reduce the amount of moisture you produce- Hang washing outside; put washing through an extra spin in the washing machine; cook with pan lids on; make sure your tumble dryer is vented to the outside or the condensing type.
Improve the ventilation- Do not block vents and open the windows when safe to do so.
Reduce the number of cold surfaces in your home
Maintain an adequate temperature- Keep the heating on at low all day in cold weather.
Dampness caused by excessive condensation can lead to mould. If you have mould in your home, you should treat it with fungicidal wash. The Council will not do these repairs for you. For more information see the Prevention of Condensation & Mould booklet.
Water
The Bathroom in your council home is not water-tight, volumes of water should be contained within the bath and sink units. Any spilt liquid should be mopped up immediately to avoid damage to the area. If you cause damage to your home, the Council may hold you responsible for the cost of repairs. Note: The silicon sealing around your bath/shower tray is your responsibility and you should maintain it as required.
Drains
You must not pour, place, deposit or dispose of grease and cooking oil in solid or liquid form into any drain, gully trap, sink or other sanitary fitting in your council home. If you have a blocked drain, first determine which drain. If it is the gully (6’x 6’) outside at the end of the rainwater pipe, it is the tenant’s responsibility. If it is the A/J (12’ x 12’) outside for household waste from bathroom and sink, report to the Council. If it is the sewage (24’ x 24’) the main line, report to the Council.
Toilet
You must not dispose of any of the following down the toilet: baby wipes; nappies; face wipes; rags; cotton buds; sanitary towels; non-biodegradable hygiene products or any other items containing plastic or thick cotton even if they are labelled flushable.
Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
The provision and maintenance of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms is the responsibility of the tenant. These alarms save lives, you should test them regularly and change the batteries as required.
Pests or Rodents
South Dublin County Council are not responsible for the control of pests or rodents. Please see HSE - Pest Control for more details.
FAQ
- How do I request repairs to my home?
- Will the Council carry out any repairs I want?
- What types of repairs am I responsible for?
- Who carries out repairs caused by malicious damage?
- What happens if I need repairs carried out but I am behind in my rent?
- How long will it take for repairs to be carried out?
- What if I’m not here when the repair team calls?
- Is my house insured by the Council?
- Am I responsible for the Garden, or just the house itself?
- What if I lock myself out of my home?
- What do I do if I have a leak in my home?
- What do I do if my heating isn’t working?
- What do I do if I am having problems with my meter?
- How do I get a new meter if my meter was stolen?
- Windows and Doors Programme
- Energy Improvement Programme
- How do I get on the energy programme?
- How long will it take before the energy improvement work is completed, after an inspection?
General
How do I request repairs to my home?
You can report a maintenance request by logging the request through Housing Online. You can register for housing online at Housing Online to set up your account.
If your request for works is an emergency, for example, sparking fuse board, for a communal area, you are an older tenant or a person who requires assistance you may make your maintenance request by telephone 01 4149393, our opening hours are Monday to Thursday 9.00am to 5.00pm, Friday 9.00am to 4.30pm. Please make sure that you have your rent account number ready when you call us, as you may be asked to provide it for verification purposes.
If you have an emergency after 5.00pm or at the weekend ring the Out of Hours service on 01 457 4907. It is the tenant’s responsibility to let us know as soon as they notice a repair is needed and to take action to prevent it from getting worse.
Note: only telephone calls in relation to emergency works, communal areas, older tenants or person who requires assistance will be taken. All other requests for maintenance works must be logged online through Housing Online.
Will the Council carry out any repairs I want?
No, the Council will only carry out structural repairs to your home and only if your rent is up-to-date.
The tenant is responsible for arranging and paying for all other repairs. For a list of all repairs tenants are responsibly for please see, tenant responsibilities. After a Mutual Transfer, only urgent and emergency repairs will be carried out on either property for 2 years.
What types of repairs am I responsible for?
The tenant is responsible for repairs of a non-structural nature which includes certain general internal and external, electrical and plumbing repairs. The tenant is also responsible for repairs to doors and windows and to the electrical appliances. For a full listing see, tenant responsibilities.
Who carries out repairs caused by malicious damage?
The tenant is responsible for repairs arising from any wilful or malicious damage to their home, no matter who causes it. The council will not carry out these repairs. The tenant is also responsible for repairs to doors, windows, fixtures and fittings in their home, which have been damaged or destroyed due to a burglary or break-in.
What happens if I need repairs carried out but I am behind in my rent?
The Council will only carry out urgent or emergency repairs to your home, if you are in rent arrears. If your rent account is in arrears, please contact rents at (01) 414 9362 or email: hrent@sdublincoco.ie
How long will it take for repairs to be carried out?
The Council categorises all requests for repairs depending on the nature of the problem. These categories are; emergency, urgent, routine or cyclical. We try to respond to requests for repairs according to the guidelines below.
| CATEGORY | TIMESCALE | EXAMPLE |
| Emergency | 1 – 5 working days | Smoking Fuse Board, Burst water tank |
| Urgent | 10 working days | Leak under sink unit, Leaking roof |
| Routine | 12 weeks + | Replace toilet cistern, Faulty radiator |
| Cyclical | 1 – 7 years | Leaking gutters, replacement hall door etc. |
What if I’m not here when the repair team calls?
When you request a repair, you will be asked for a contact phone number. If the repair team call and cannot get access, they will leave a card with the number for you to call to re-arrange access. You should call to re-arrange access as soon as possible to avoid a delay in the repair being carried out. The repair team may also attempt to call again at another time to gain access.
Is my house insured by the Council?
The Council insure the structure of all rented houses against fire, flood and storm damage. But it is up to the tenant to insure their belongings in their home (contents insurance).
Am I responsible for the Garden, or just the house itself?
The tenant is responsible for the dwelling which includes the property and curtilage. Curtilage in relation to a dwelling is not defined in Housing legislation but for the purposes of SDCC properties it can be taken to mean an area immediately surrounding or adjacent to the dwelling which is used in conjunction with the dwelling, other than any part of that area that is a public place.
What if I lock myself out of my home?
If this happens, you should call a registered locksmith (PSA). The Council does not have keys to your home and it doesn’t provide a locksmith service. You should arrange to have extra keys cut yourself, but if you subsequently vacate the house, you must hand all keys over to South Dublin County Council.
What do I do if I have a leak in my home?
Contact the Council to request a repair. In the meantime, turn off the water and use a bucket or basin to catch any remaining water. Use towels to dry the area to prevent further damage.
To turn off hot water- valve is in the hot press.
To turn off cold water – value is in the kitchen, left or right of the sink unit.
What do I do if my heating isn’t working?
There are a number of things you should check, these are listed below:
- If you have a card meter- check has your credit expired or run out. If the meter has an error message, contact your energy provider.
- If you have a gas boiler- check is it in lockout? (Flashing error code). If yes, reset boiler in accordance with the user instructions.
- Is the electricity supply to the system switched on? Check the fuse on the system isolator.
- Does the clock show the right time?
- If it has a selector switch, have you selected 'heating'?
- If you have a room thermostat, is it set to the room temperature you require? When a room reaches the temperature set on the thermostat the radiators will cool.
- Is the gas turned on?
- Is the thermostat on the setting you require? – should be in mid position or slightly above.
- If radiators are cool on top and hot lower down, they will need to be vented. Part open, not full open the vent on top corner of radiator slowly with vent key.
- You will hear air releasing, when water arrives slowly close vent with key.
What do I do if I am having problems with my meter?
You should contact your energy provider. The Council are not responsible for meters.
How do I get a new meter if my meter was stolen?
In order to get a new meter you will need a RGI certificate, you can request this from the maintenance section. There is a charge for the RGI certificate which must be paid for in advance at the Tallaght or Clondalkin cash office.
Windows and Doors Programme
How do I get on the programme to have my windows and door replaced?
Windows and door are replaced in order of priority based on the grading of your windows and doors after an inspection. Please note if you are in rent arrears you will not be included on the programme.
How long will it take to get new windows and doors after an inspection?
If an inspector has visited your home to complete an inspection, they will have graded your windows and door. Depending on the grading the target response time is 4-5 Years where capital funding is available.
Energy Improvement Programme
How do I get on the energy programme?
The programme runs area by area, you will be contacted when your area has been selected. Please note if you are in rent arrears you will not be included on the programme.
How long will it take before the energy improvement work is completed, after an inspection?
If an inspector has visited your home to complete an inspection, they will have assessed what energy improvements are needed. Generally, the works are completed within 1 year of the inspection. This is dependent on your cooperation and availability to allow access to your home.