Councillors in Havering are to consider adopting a new policy for accessing council homes to ensure they are safe and in good condition.
This week, Havering Council’s cabinet will consider the Access to Homes policy, which seeks to outline the circumstances when the local authority – as the landlord – may legally be allowed necessary access to a council property.
Reasons may include gas safety checks, electrical testing and health and safety inspections to enable the council to meet its legal and regulatory requirements for the well-being of tenants and their neighbours.
According to Havering, the policy has already been approved by the council’s resident panel.
Councillor Paul McGeary, cabinet lead for housing property, said: “We have an obligation as a social housing landlord to make sure all our properties are maintained well for the safety and benefit of our tenants and we need their support to achieve that.
“For most tenants, this isn’t an issue. The new policy sets out these reasonable access criteria and details the process for any tenants who fail to meet their tenancy agreements by preventing us entry into their property.”
The move follows recent stock condition and Housing Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS) surveys that were carried out and completed in November last year, by contractor Savills.
The local authority says the results are currently being analysed to help build programmes of work over the coming years to ensure residents have safe and decent homes to live in.
The project highlighted some issues gaining access to properties to conduct the assessments, the council adds. The proposed policy also outlines what action will be taken if access is, for whatever reason, denied.
Image credit: Inna Dodor/Shutterstock
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