'No Access' Policy

6.1         Gateshead Council will ensure we arrange access for repairs, inspections and improvements needed to the following: (this list is not exhaustive)

• the structure and exterior of the property (including drains, gutters and external pipes)
• the installations in the property for the supply of water, gas and electricity
• the installations for sanitation (basins, sinks and baths)
• the installations for property safety including sprinklers, door entry, warden call, assisted toilets, domestic auto doors, gates and barriers
• the installations for heating the property and providing hot water
• to carry out and provide a valid energy performance certificate (EPC)
• to carry out an energy performance dwelling assessment
• to carry out decarbonisation works to the internal and external of the property or building
• to carry out and provide a valid Gas Safety Certificate at the start of the tenancy and within 28 days of each annual gas safety check (if there is a gas installation)
• to ensure all properties have a working smoke alarm on every floor used as living accommodation
• to ensure all properties have a working a carbon monoxide alarm in all rooms using solid fuels - such as coal fire
• to ensure an EICR (electrical installation condition report) is completed at least every five years by a competent person
• to ensure the property is free from damp and mould by tackling repairs to the structure and exterior and making sure the property is adequately ventilated
• to ensure the home is free from trip and fall hazards by ensuring safety rails are installed and stairs are in good repair
• to ensure access to the property is well lit in communal spaces
• to ensure the property has an adequate water supply and drinking water is supplied from the mains
• to ensure the property is free from structural defects including the roof, floors, walls and ceilings
• to carry out a stock condition survey to assess the lifecycle of capital components along with the general structure
• to ensure capital components are maintained or renewed on a lifecycle basis including kitchens, bathrooms, windows, doors, roofs, cyclical decorations etc
• to ensure the property is safe and compliant to remedy any HHSRS failures and other regulatory breaches

6.2       Tenants must ensure access is granted to Gateshead Council and relevant workers to enable repairs or inspections to be carried out. Gateshead Council will ensure that we give our tenants at least 24 hours' notice requesting access at a reasonable time of the day.

6.3         In an emergency, permission is not needed to enter the home. Every effort will be made to contact you.

6.4         Gateshead Council will ensure all reasonable methods of arranging access to ensure our homes and tenants receive sufficient investment and services. If a tenant refuses access, they may be in breach of their tenancy agreement and a court order may be pursued.

6.5         Where access attempts are unsuccessful, we will attempt to understand why tenants cannot or will not provide access and work with them to find a solution to ensure that works are completed.

6.6         In the circumstance where a mutual solution cannot be found, we will seek to exhaust our landlord obligations listed within the tenancy agreement to ensure that access is gained to complete our landlord services.

6.7         Gateshead Council recognises that in some scenarios tenants may not allow access, for example due to vulnerabilities.