FAQs
Your home may be considered defective if we fail to:
- Complete repairs we’re responsible for within a reasonable time.
- Keep installations for sanitation, electricity, gas, and water in working order.
These companies target tenants—especially in social housing—and encourage you to make a claim. They then sell your claim to solicitors, who handle the process for a fee.
Important:
- Some may pretend to be surveyors from Riverside. Always ask for ID before letting anyone in.
- If you’re unsure or feel unsafe, do not let them in. Call the police and let us know.
- Hidden costs: “No win, no fee” sounds safe, but customers have ended up with thousands of pounds in debt. You may also pay a large upfront insurance premium.
- Fees if you change your mind: Once you sign, you may not be able to stop the claim without paying for surveys or insurance.
- Court costs: If your case is dismissed, you could be ordered to pay our legal costs.
- Long process: Claims can take years and may require you to appear in court.
- Breach of tenancy: These companies often tell you to refuse access for repairs, which breaches your tenancy agreement.
- Impact on services: Defending claims is expensive and reduces funds for repairs and community services.
We’ll arrange a survey of your home to check what repairs are needed and whether any damage charges apply. If repairs are our responsibility, we’ll complete them. We’ll also review your repair history and defend any dishonest claims.
What is a defect?
Your home may be considered defective if we fail to:
- Complete repairs we’re responsible for within a reasonable time.
- Keep installations for sanitation, electricity, gas, and water in working order.
What are claims management companies?
These companies target tenants—especially in social housing—and encourage you to make a claim. They then sell your claim to solicitors, who handle the process for a fee.
Important:
- Some may pretend to be surveyors from Riverside. Always ask for ID before letting anyone in.
- If you’re unsure or feel unsafe, do not let them in. Call the police and let us know.
What are the risks?
- Hidden costs: “No win, no fee” sounds safe, but customers have ended up with thousands of pounds in debt. You may also pay a large upfront insurance premium.
- Fees if you change your mind: Once you sign, you may not be able to stop the claim without paying for surveys or insurance.
- Court costs: If your case is dismissed, you could be ordered to pay our legal costs.
- Long process: Claims can take years and may require you to appear in court.
- Breach of tenancy: These companies often tell you to refuse access for repairs, which breaches your tenancy agreement.
- Impact on services: Defending claims is expensive and reduces funds for repairs and community services.
What happens if you make a claim?
We’ll arrange a survey of your home to check what repairs are needed and whether any damage charges apply. If repairs are our responsibility, we’ll complete them. We’ll also review your repair history and defend any dishonest claims.