Introduction
As a responsible social housing landlord, Castle Point Borough Council ("the Council") is committed to understanding the people that live in the homes it owns and manages, so that it can gain access to carry out its legal and regulatory obligations.
The Council recognises that in certain cases there may be underlying issues that contribute to access challenges which may relate to a support need, language, or specific tenancy management problem. In these circumstances, the Council will always take a proportionate approach to resolve an issue to gain access, relying on legal action as a last resort.
Why does the Council need to come into my home?
The Council may need to enter your home for many reasons including but not limited to:
- carrying out servicing or a repair
- if there is an emergency (property or person related)
- enabling any annual planned improvement work to be completed
- gas safety checks
- fire safety surveys and works
- electrical testing and works
- asbestos surveys and works
- damp/mould/condensation inspections and works
- surveys or works to control the risk of legionella
- tenancy audit, tenancy checks and to investigate possible breaches of tenancy
- ensuring compliance with legal, health and safety regulations and compliance with the Tenancy Agreement
Do I have to let the Council into my home?
Yes, tenants and leaseholders have a responsibility to respond to correspondence and provide access to the Council’s employees and the Council’s approved contractors to undertake maintenance, servicing and visits to allow a legally compliant landlord service. You can help us by letting us know if your contact details change such as telephone numbers, e-mail addresses or any changes relating to next of kin.
Working together to get things done in your home
If the Council needs access to a home, it will work with you to arrange a mutually convenient time and date to visit, including evenings and weekends. Once a visit is agreed, the Council requires a responsible adult (someone over the age of 18) to be present at the premises to grant access.
Unless the visit is an emergency, the Council will always pre-arrange an appointment. The Council will make all reasonable attempts to contact you by:
- writing in advance outlining why access is required and providing a proposed date (including details of how to contact the Council to make an alternative appointment if this is not convenient)
- making contact by telephone, text or email to secure an appointment date
- conducting a home visit to book an appointment date