A new service is taking over repairs to Epping Forest District Council's housing stock.

Qualis Management will carry out day-to-day repairs, planned maintenance and emergency repair services from Monday, September 28.

It is part of the Qualis Group, a new, council-owned company that returns any profits to the council.

The council says there will be minimal disruption to housing tenants.

Tenants should call Qualis Management via the housing team telephone number for any repairs. The council says they will deal with the same staff and will receive the same level of service as they do currently.

The main changes that tenants will notice after September 28 will be contact details and the branding on maintenance vans, staff uniform and ID badge, which will show the Qualis logos.

The council also says a new computer system will be introduced, using a GPS system to match a member of the repairs team nearest to the tenant in need. The team will not always be based at a central point, which will cut down travel time. It also means waiting times will be reduced and tenants can be given a more accurate estimated arrival time.

Councillor Holly Whitbread, who is responsible for housing and communities services, said: "The transfer of our housing repairs and maintenance service to Qualis will improve the quality of the service. Changes are being put in place to help enhance what we offer to our residents, bringing the service for tenants into the 21st Century.

"Being able to assign jobs to staff in the areas they are already close to, by using the GPS system, will help save fuel, general wear and tear on the vans and equipment and therefore be a greener and more effective way of working."

Contact details are changing. The new number is 0333 230 0464 or email repairs@qualismanagement.co.uk.