Housing Services and Coronavirus – an update for BHT tenants

Last updated March 2023

Our first priority remains the safety and well-being of you our tenants, our staff and contractors. We are following Government advice in line with announcements from Public Health England and our Local Authority partners and continue to take additional precautions in line with our own risk assessments.

As you will be aware, the situation can change quickly so we will continue to publish updates on our website and update you regularly by email to keep you fully informed of any changes to services.

Please find below the answers to some frequently asked questions about our services.

  • We’re contacting vulnerable tenants to offer reassurance, advice and support where possible.
  • Lettings, mutual exchanges and our repair service will also continue as normal while following the safety precautions detailed below.

Repairs

Our normal repair service is in operation.

However, for everyone’s safety, the following precautions must be adhered to by all parties involved, including contractors, staff, clients and tenants.

BHT’s contractors will book appointments in advance and enquire if anyone in the household is showing symptoms of Covid-19. If so the appointment will be booked at a later date to ensure everyone’s safety. 

If a contractor feels unsafe, they may leave your premises if necessary. In this event we will contact you to re-book an appointment.

BHT’s tenants will be asked to disclose if they are self-isolating, or if they or any of their household are showing coronavirus symptoms:

  • when they report the repair to BHT
  • when they book the appointment with the contractor
  • when the contractor arrives to carry out the repair.

It is vital that these guidelines are followed by all parties to ensure the protection of everyone from coronavirus - we greatly appreciate your cooperation.

Gas and Fire Safety

BHT will maintain its statutory obligations regarding the maintenance of fire systems and gas appliances. This continues to be the case and contractors carrying out this vital work will adhere to the safety measures listed above. It is essential, for your safety and that of others, that unless you are isolating or have symptoms of Covid-19 you permit access to BHT contractors to carry out work relating to gas or fire safety.

BHT will continue to undertake Fire Risk Assessments. Risk assessments are in place and the inspector will wear appropriate PPE. Only the common areas of properties are assessed, and the inspector will not require access to your home.

We will be completing our annual gas services closer to the date that they are due, rather than 10 weeks in advance. We will contact you nearer the date that your gas service certificate expires to arrange to carry out the check.

We know that some of you are worried about how you'll pay your rent because of the impact of coronavirus. We're here to help and make sure you feel secure in your home. We know you’ll do your best to pay your rent and we can offer assistance and guidance if you’re in financial difficulties. We can also give guidance on claiming benefits so please get in touch in the usual way.

If you are concerned that your boiler or the electrics in your home are unsafe please call us on 01323 340018.

Please note we will continue our normal five-yearly electrical testing. 

Please use the latest information on prevention and the facts about Coronavirus (COVID-19) which are available on the government website and from the NHS website.

As a matter of course from now until further notice if any of our staff are due to visit they will always check whether you are happy for them to come into your home. Where we can, we will contact you by phone rather than visiting so we can minimise any risks and help us provide the best service to you. Please take this opportunity to ensure we have your updated mobile phone details to aid communication.

Self-isolating is when you are staying at home to stop the risk of the coronavirus spreading.

If you are self-isolating it is really important that you let us know so we can plan accordingly for any potential work or support that may have been arranged. Please let us know if we are due to visit you before we enter your home by contacting us on 01323 340018 or info@bht.org.uk as soon as possible.

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