Gaining Access
Gaining Access to Undertake Work For Non-Emergency
Repairs.
We have jointly agreed an access to premises
protocol with the Tenants Forum. Some of the reasoning behind this
protocol was based on privacy and the chance of intrusion if
contractors put themselves in a position where they can catch an
occupant unaware should they have been unwilling or unable to
answer a call at the front door.
This protocol needs to be exercised with
common sense and is not intended to prevent works being undertaken
that are highly unlikely to cause any intrusion or are of an urgent
nature i.e. works that need to do done to prevent obvious and
imminent damage to property or injury to health.
The protocol is intended to balance the rights
of the tenants to privacy, the contractors’ interests and the
safety of their employees and the need to undertake repairs.
| No. |
Protocol |
|
1
|
Access by appointment is always
preferable.
|
|
2
|
Access by appointment is essential if it has
been requested by the tenant.
|
|
3
|
Generally 24 hours notice is required although
this may be waived by mutual agreement between contractor and
tenant.
|
|
4
|
Works within a dwelling should preferably be
undertaken with the tenant or their nominated representative
present. Nominated representatives can not be persons under the age
of 16 years (minors) and contractors should not undertake works
inside a dwelling if a minor is present and not accompanied by an
adult.
|
|
5
|
Works to the exterior of a dwelling or within
its curtilage are only to be undertaken if an appointment has been
made or someone in the property has been made aware of the
contractors presence and permission to proceed is given. The only
exceptions are as follows;
- Works that are highly unlikely to cause any intrusion or are of
an urgent nature;
- Works in open plan gardens to fences, drains and the like.
|
|
6
|
In all circumstances the contractor should
always make (or attempt to make) their presence known to any
occupants.
|
|
7
|
Works to the building are not to be undertaken
if there is ‘no answer at the door’ especially if the works involve
the use of ladders against an elevation of the building with
windows and/or noisy operations.
|
|
8
|
Enclosed gardens with locked or secured gates
are not to be entered unless permission has been granted by the
tenant (does not apply to emergencies).
|
Your Security - Callers from or on behalf of the Council
All Ashford Borough Council Employees and contractors carry
identity cards with their photograph on. You are strongly advised
to check this card before allowing anyone who says
they are from the Council or a contractor into your home.
If you are in any doubt about the identity of
a caller do not let them in. Ask them to call again later so that
you have time to confirm they are genuine. You can check by calling
the Housing Repairs Team by phone on 0300 003 0711.
This webpage was updated on
1/6/2010