The Importance of Allowing First Time Access

Men looking at boiler

Part of our responsibility as a social housing organisation is to carry out annual gas safety inspections on each of the homes we manage.  There are also various other purposes for which we may require access to your home from time to time such as electrical inspection, rewires, window installations, or kitchen and bathroom works.

Gas safety inspections are a vital part of living in social housing. They are essential for your safety, legal compliance, and the overall wellbeing of your home.  It's in your best interest to cooperate with engineers during these annual checks to ensure the gas appliances in your home are safe and efficient.  

Remember, it's not just about following the rules; it's about protecting your loved ones and securing your peace of mind.

Safety First

The first and foremost reason for allowing engineers access to your home for gas safety inspections is to ensure your safety and that of your neighbours.  Gas appliances and heating systems can be potential sources of danger if not properly maintained.  These inspections are designed to identify any faults, leaks, or potential hazards and rectify them promptly. The contractors will check your gas cooker if neccesary and will usually check the flames. If there is deemed to be a defect they will condemn it and disconnect it from the gas, keeping you and your family safe. Neglecting this annual check can put your life and the lives of others at risk.

Cost-Effective

Ignoring the need for regular gas safety inspections may lead to costly repairs in the future. Preventive maintenance is often more cost-effective than fixing problems once they become severe. These inspections can help identify issues early, potentially saving money and inconvenience in the long run. When you cooperate with engineers during gas safety inspections, any problems that are identified can be resolved promptly. This ensures that your gas appliances work efficiently, saving you money on energy bills and reducing your carbon footprint.

Legal Requirement

Annual gas safety inspections are not a mere suggestion; they are a legal requirement.  This means that both housing providers and tenants have a legal duty to ensure that gas appliances are in good working order and safe to use.  By allowing engineers access, you're not only safeguarding your home but also abiding by the law.

Peace of Mind

By cooperating with engineers for gas safety inspections, you can have peace of mind knowing that your home is a safe environment for you and your family.  Gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning are serious threats, and these inspections help identify any issues before they escalate. The contractors will also check your fire alarm and will often replace this on the day of service if it is faulty or out of date. The peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is safe is invaluable.

Conditions of Tenancy

Section 15 of your Conditions of Tenancy explains how tenants are responsible for allowing South Essex Homes and others acting on our behalf to access their home.  However, please be assured that we will always give at least 24 hours’ written notice of any access appointment unless it is an emergency situation.

Where notice is given for this or any other visit and you don’t allow access, we may charge you for any costs incurred in connection with the attempt to gain access. We may also seek legal action if it is deemed necessary. For example, this could mean seeking possession of the property, or a lifetime injunction ensuring we can access the property without a warrant. This will always be a last resort and we would much rather work together with you to ensure your home is safe.