Edinburgh tenants who deliberately damage their homes will have to pay for repairs, the City Council has announced.

The Rechargeable Repairs Policy was discussed with tenant groups last year.

Consulted parties included the Edinburgh Tenants Federation, neighbourhood housing staff and equalities groups.

The proposals received positive feedback, with 88% of tenants saying they were in favour of the policy.

The policy also includes support for vulnerable tenants.

The latest phase of consultations confirmed support for the policy with no major amendments.

Edinburgh Council says the new system could be used to identify vulnerable tenants who require additional support.

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The Council also said the policy could enable it to target available finance at legitimate repairs and would assist in the funding available for investment in the housing stock.

Councillor Cammy Day, Housing Leader for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: "All tenants are responsible for looking after their own homes and the Capital Coalition gave a commitment to enforcing tenancy agreements to ensure they fulfill their good conduct responsibilities.

"One of the key measures of success will be that tenants take better care of their homes, which in turn allows us to target the money we spend on supporting tenants who really do need our help - including many vulnerable tenants."

Betty Stevenson, chair of the Edinburgh Tenants Federation, added: "This will ensure repair costs are targeted at repairs to improve homes for tenants who are in genuine need. If implemented correctly this policy will help to increase tenants' awareness of their responsibilities."

The Council carry out about 146,000 repairs every year at a cost of £20m; the majority of which are in response to direct requests from tenants, with the rest made up of planned repairs.

The Rechargeable Repairs Policy will come into force on 1 April 2013.

(IT)