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Tenants face warrants over vital gas checks
10:34am Monday 19th November 2007
Comments (6)A HOUSING group has become the first in the country to use warrants to gain access to homes and carry out vital carbon monoxide checks.
Hyndburn Homes took action after 400 residents refused to let in officials to check on their gas boilers and fires last year.
Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas which can seep out of appliances if they are not regularly maintained. Around 30 people die each year in the UK as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Hyndburn Homes has a duty to carry out checks on its properties once a year but has been hampered by people refusing them entry.
It has now joined forces with Hyndburn Council and Forbes Solicitors to pioneer the use of Environmental Protection legislation to gain access to properties for gas servicing.
The group will be able to apply for court warrants, allowing them to enter properties, under a system that had previously not been available to social landlords.
David Perry, neighbourhood housing manager for Hyndburn Homes said: "Thanks to the positive working relationship between the two companies we are the first social landlord in the country to take full advantage of this legislation. This essentially means that we will have legal right of entry to our properties in order to carry out the inspection.
"Previously, if access has been refused we would have to embark on a lengthy possession proceeding.
"Ultimately, all of our tenants will benefit by having the highest standard of gas safety which could save lives."
Hyndburn Council transferred over 3,000 properties to Hyndburn Homes in March 2006, and both parties are anxious to maintain a mutually satisfactory working relationship.
Ian Halliday, team leader for Hyndburn Council's environment health department, added: "When we were approached by Hyndburn Homes to look at a joint approach to this matter, we were only too pleased to help.
"The dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and the potential for other serious incidents make this type of action a priority."
Your Say YourLancashire Telegraph
Paul, Blackburn says...
11:46am Mon 19 Nov 07
They should telephone and verify before sending threatening letters.
Si, Blackburn says...
12:52pm Mon 19 Nov 07
Paul wrote:SPACE do the same..
If this is anything like Twin Valley homes, then it's wrong. Twin Valley called at my home when I was out and left no card or nothing. I then received a letter stated I had refused entry. I can't refuse entry when I was at work and nobody else is in the house. Would help to know when they're coming to check. Then again, is it like delivery drivers that say they tried but couldn't deliver, when they have done no such thing. They should telephone and verify before sending threatening letters.
when they came to fit double glazing.. the people just turned up... i was like hmmmm ok.... you sure.. we have had no letters
amanda, darwen says...
1:46pm Mon 19 Nov 07
Norfolk and Chance, Nelson says...
3:26pm Mon 19 Nov 07
Debbie, Blackburn says...
12:45am Wed 21 Nov 07
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Caz, Accrington says...
11:06am Mon 19 Nov 07