Guidance for Care HA tenants in the latest lockdown
Following the Government’s announcement on 4th January 2021 regarding the latest national lockdown, we have reviewed our services to ensure that we can continue to provide safe and comfortable homes without putting the health and safety of our tenants and their support staff at risk. As such, effective immediately, our services will consist of the following:
Repairs
Emergency repairs only – Our repairs contractors are only carrying out emergency repairs. All non-emergency repairs are still being logged, and these will be resolved when it is safe to do so. We will also be continuing all our compliance work including:
- Gas servicing
- Electrical testing – installation and PAT testing
- Fire Risk Assessments
- Servicing of fire equipment e.g. fire panels and smoke alarms
- Servicing of other specialist equipment e.g. lifts.
- Emergency lighting testing
- Water treatment and testing
Repairs to White Goods – We see white goods as an essential service in some properties. As such, white goods repairs are being carried out across all our properties, where requested and where we provide this service. Response times may vary.
Grounds Maintenance – Our gardeners will be carrying out visits to properties as normal, except where they are required to access the garden by entering properties. As this work is outside, and there will be no contact with tenants, we consider it safe to continue this service.
Housing Management Inspections/visits
We will not be carrying out routine property inspections. Where the inspections are considered emergency, e.g. in the event of a serious breach of tenancy, we may still carry out the visit. If this is the case, this will be discussed with the tenant or their support team and representatives. We will consider this on a case by case basis.
Tenancy sign-ups
Tenancy sign-ups will continue as normal. However, we will offer the option of a video sign-up if this is appropriate.
As always, our staff and contractors will adhere to guidance regarding working in people’s homes. – https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/homes.
If you have any concerns or questions regarding this information please contact your housing officer in the first instance, or our 24 hour line on 0345 437 7367