Forumite Members › General Topics › Other Stuff › Dealing with a Housing Association, any experiences or advice?
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Ed P.
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February 19, 2019 at 2:17 pm #30902
So I bought my flat a good couple of years ago in a small block within an area run by a Housing Association (in Eastbourne). It’s an unusual block with the stairs detached from the main block but not exposed to the elements, it’s like a separate building that has only the stairs and then the doors that lead onto the balconies from where we access our flats. Unfortunately the front door lock is not very good – all teenagers know if you shoulder it hard enough it will give way. It’s a very common lock in many blocks in Eastbourne and their weakness is a common knowledge to the yobos who live there. And in our case they do it a lot to seek shelter to smoke weed, hide from the rain and cold and as a rule make a disgusting mess. Not to mention that their presence there is not welcome. So I’m going to try to get the Housing Association to replace the entire front entrance. Most people are renting or just too mentally debilitated to be of any help and I will have to do this on my own.
So far I have called them and explained the situation. They said an area manager or some such will call me back within two days. I’ve have never dealt with or lived in a housing association before but I have a feeling it is not going to be easy to get them to spend a significant amount of money and fit a heavy duty metal front entrance to keep the pests out.
Do you guys know of any procedures or tricks to put pressure on them to get it done? Or any other info that might be helpful in this situation.
Cheers!
February 19, 2019 at 4:12 pm #30909Check out if some of the property is rented out to the Council for emergency/social housing. If so then a friendly chat with your local ward councillor may be helpful.
If you can fact0check numbers of vulnerable people (single parent families, infirm etc.) are at risk when using the stairs. Check out actual incidents of drug abuse – your NHW person may be able to help. The more factual data you can get on people at risk the better prepared you will be to chat with the Councillor.The local Fire Officer may also help as maybe the CAB.
IF the Council rents a substantial block of property they normally have some useful clout with HAs, however remember most HAs are near bankrupt and will do all they can to avoid actually spending money.
February 19, 2019 at 5:37 pm #30915Thanks EdP,
I hate dealing with problems like this but since I’m here to stay for a while it has to be done. I’ll see how it goes with the HA person and will mention all those things you said. I’m pretty sure some of the tenants here are from the council as they are somewhat senile despite being middle-aged and I’m sure they’ve been on social support all their lives. And if need be I will go to the council and see if I can get some help from them.
February 19, 2019 at 5:58 pm #30917If the people in your block can work a mortice lock get one fitted.
February 19, 2019 at 6:01 pm #30918You can lock it at night and then only key holders can get in.
February 19, 2019 at 6:17 pm #30923As Ed says, HA’s are cash-strapped. I have been waiting months for several repair & maintenance issues: the border fence at the rear is sagging down day by day. If the idiots would only realise it, that is just 2 sections of fence: when it finally goes, the whole lot will go, that’s 6 panels and a whole new fence. The problem is that all funding for support services was cut by Cameron’s government and successors. The only funding HA’s get now is for new builds, which of course is “affordable housing.”
When I tell you that I live in a Sheltered Housing complex, you will realise that it is a problem. In your case, I would be tempted to attend a council meeting with like-minded residents and bring up the problem of Security, criminal damage and anti-social behaviour in your area. You could combine this with a letter to the Police, Chief Constable or local Super.
I don’t think you will achieve a new front entrance from them: they will probably suggest some meaningless, totally unsuitable alternative that costs beans. Or ask if you can do it yourself by employing a trades person. If you do that, they will probably set the rules and materials that the trades person has to work with, accompanied by generous dollops of Elfin Safety. But you would need permission, for such a visible, structural issue though.
If I want to do something like that, I get it done and never ask permission, which is another hoop you are supposed to jump through. “It was like that when we moved here Guv!” They have never once returned to check anything I have done and I have been here 16 years. Welcome to HA hell Tadka! ??
When the Thought Police arrive at your door, think -
I'm out.February 19, 2019 at 6:17 pm #30924Good idea Wheels Of Fire,
It could actually be a very simple but effective solution.
Though a camera or two might be needed too. The door frames are week timber and I would not be surprised if one of the yobos would decide to open it permanently with a good kick to the door. I spoke to one lady just earlier and she said one of the residents in the block used to chase them out and had his windows smashed. Though I don’t know when that was. I was told this neighbourhood used to be much rougher not that long ago. Maybe the frame could be reinforced with some metal. I’ll have to try and get to meet the block in charge of supervising the maintenance. He should be able to do something like that.
February 19, 2019 at 6:22 pm #30926Good idea Wheels Of Fire, It could actually be a very simple but effective solution. Though a camera or two might be needed too. The door frames are week timber and I would not be surprised if one of the yobos would decide to open it permanently with a good kick to the door. I spoke to one lady just earlier and she said one of the residents in the block used to chase them out and had his windows smashed. Though I don’t know when that was. I was told this neighbourhood used to be much rougher not that long ago. Maybe the frame could be reinforced with some metal. I’ll have to try and get to meet the block in charge of supervising the maintenance. He should be able to do something like that.
Thanks Bob,
All advice is welcome, I did wonder if I could get a workman to do something. Will see how it goes, maybe we will come up with something cheap(ish) but effective.
February 19, 2019 at 6:22 pm #30927My friend Angela just moved into a new block on the South Acton estate. The front doors are secured with door holding magnets (you will Not force them). Once you have been let in you only get as far as the lift lobby. From there you can only get as far as the lift lobby on the floor you want. Then you have to press the button for the flat you want again. Then you finaly get to the landing you want so you can ring the bell. You can only acssess the stairs on the way out unless you have a key. Fort knox i think ?
February 19, 2019 at 6:36 pm #30928I used to deliver pizzas in various locations around London when still young. The inhumanity I’ve seen in some of those estates… You need a Fort Knox.
February 19, 2019 at 6:55 pm #30931A large pic of a large Rottweiler or similar, jaws open and teeth showing, on the front door or window. Notice reading “De-barked, but not Defanged!”
You don’t have to actually own a dog…
When the Thought Police arrive at your door, think -
I'm out.February 19, 2019 at 7:34 pm #30935When I first met the wife, she had problems with her ex, trying to access the flat. She got Banhams to change the locks and fit a reinforcing steel bar 1/8 x 3/4 from top to bottom, moulded around the staple/keep ( where the latch closes against ) fixed into the frame with 2″ screws.
It wasn’t pretty, but it worked. Couple that with a window lock top and bottom that is set into the door and ‘winds’ into the frame with a key. Provided it is a fairly sturdy door to start with, they’ll break their foot or shoulder before they gain access through the door.
February 19, 2019 at 7:42 pm #30936Who is responsible for the maintenance of the communal area’s? They are responsible for making the front door secure. Have you not got a residents committee? Maybe start one put some pressure on the maintenance company, threatening to withhold rent etc. Or if those of you who are concerned you could go down the mortice lock route, probably even get one fitted to the landing door ( though I have a feeling that would have to be a thumb turn for fire regs) worst case scenario you all chip in get a joiner to fit the locks for you.
February 19, 2019 at 7:53 pm #30937Do speak with your Councillor, I know that East Sussex has one of the worst budget problems but your Councillor may know where you can go for self-help grants and if (say) The Lions have any sort of tradespeople arrangements as some give Charity in kind rather than cash.
Good luck!
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