Clyde Valley launch new repairs by appointment system for tenants
Last month (November) Clyde Valley Housing Association and Timetra Property Maintenance launched their new repairs by appointment system for tenants throughout Lanarkshire. The new system offers tenants a better service with a personal touch whilst also delivering real cost savings for the association.
Helen Layden, Chair of Clyde Valley Housing Association’s operations committee explained: “Tenants told us that getting their repairs carried out on time was a top priority. We’ve worked with our contractor, Timetra, to introduce our new repairs by appointment system that puts the tenants’ needs first.”
As well as being offered a morning or afternoon appointment, tenants will receive a phone call from the contractor to let them know when the tradesman is on his way.
Scott Murray, Managing Director of Timetra explained how the Lanarkshire based repairs contractor has already started to see the benefits during a two month pilot of the system: Scott said, “The number of ‘no access’ visits has dropped dramatically, last month we only had 5 no access call-outs of 125 booked appointments.” Scott also said that the new system means tradesmen are spending more time on jobs and less time travelling on wasted journeys.
Tenant Arlene MacNeill thinks all housing associations should offer this service. Arlene said, “Repairs by appointment really makes sense. It’s cost effective, makes life easier for tenants and helps the contractor to plan their workload. I think this truly is a ‘win win’ approach”.
The association believe the new system will be of particular benefit during the winter months, when typically there is an increase in repairs call-outs. The repairs by appointment system was developed in consultation with tenants supported by the Tenant Participation Advisory Service.