Housing No Access Policy

Overview

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC) is committed to ensuring that all Council homes remain safe, compliant, well maintained and fit for purpose.

As a landlord, the Council has legal responsibilities to carry out repairs, safety inspections, servicing, testing and remedial works in tenants' homes and communal areas. These activities help protect residents, neighbours, visitors and our housing assets from risks such as gas leaks, electrical faults, fire hazards, water safety issues, damp and mould, and other health and safety concerns.

To meet these responsibilities, the Council sometimes needs access to residents' homes to carry out inspections, repairs or compliance checks. While most residents work with us to arrange access, there are occasions when access cannot be obtained.

To help ensure homes remain safe and that legal obligations can be met, the Council has developed a draft Housing Repairs & Statutory Compliance No Access Policy.

The policy explains:

• Why access to homes is sometimes required
• How the Council will work with residents to arrange appointments
• The steps taken when access cannot be obtained
• When legal action may be considered to gain access for essential safety checks and works
• How emergency situations will be managed
• How the Council will consider individual circumstances, vulnerabilities and reasonable adjustments

Before the policy is finalised, we would like to hear the views of tenants, leaseholders and stakeholders.

Your feedback will help ensure the policy is fair, proportionate, resident-focused and effective in keeping people safe.

This survey should only take a few minutes to complete and all responses will be treated confidentially.

Why your views matter

The Council recognises that access arrangements can sometimes be difficult due to work commitments, caring responsibilities, health conditions, communication barriers or other personal circumstances.

We want to ensure this policy strikes the right balance between the Council's legal responsibilities as a landlord and the needs of residents.

By taking part, you can help us:

• Ensure the policy is fair and proportionate
• Improve how appointments and access arrangements are managed
• Identify barriers that may prevent residents from providing access
• Improve communication and engagement with tenants and leaseholders
• Ensure appropriate support is available for vulnerable residents
• Help shape how the Council approaches safety, compliance and enforcement