No heating or hot water since 11 September 25

Chief_of_Staffy

Are they actually doing the work right now? You said they're getting quotes but if they're still on the 'getting quotes' stage then that is crazy. I would have thought these organisations had preferred contractors or in-house teams, and something urgent like failed heating and hot water would be dealt with starting on the day.

Miranda74Cat

Chief_of_Staffy said:

Are they actually doing the work right now? You said they're getting quotes but if they're still on the 'getting quotes' stage then that is crazy. I would have thought these organisations had preferred contractors or in-house teams, and something urgent like failed heating and hot water would be dealt with starting on the day.

No work has been done yet. I have been calling the engineers who have the contract every couple of days for an update on what they are (not) doing and timescales to do something. 

owls1867

If it's a private housing association, I would be getting environmental health involved from the council as its clearly gone beyond what is reasonable. Get them to add more pressure. 

Chief_of_Staffy

Miranda74Cat said:

Chief_of_Staffy said:

Are they actually doing the work right now? You said they're getting quotes but if they're still on the 'getting quotes' stage then that is crazy. I would have thought these organisations had preferred contractors or in-house teams, and something urgent like failed heating and hot water would be dealt with starting on the day.

No work has been done yet. I have been calling the engineers who have the contract every couple of days for an update on what they are (not) doing and timescales to do something. 

The HA should be doing that. I'd badger them to do their job and let them chase the contractor. You can bet that if the boiler failed in their own house they'd have it fixed in a few days.

lincroft1710

Miranda74Cat said:

lincroft1710 said:

Miranda74Cat said:

Albermarle said:

silvercar said:

The HA are required to behave in a responsible manner, which means getting things fixed as soon as possible and providing alternative heating until it’s done. The expectation is that a landlord would work as fast as an owner occupier would. No one has a magic wand, if parts are on order there is nothing anyone can do to make them arrive quicker.

In the mean time, providing electric heaters is considerate. Your partner could ask for a contribution to the electric bill, no guarantees the HA will oblige. 

Also it is not that cold yet, so the electric heaters would only have to be used for a small part of the day to keep the chill off. 

Would anyone know if it would be appropriate to contact his GP and or hospital consultants about this situation? 

With what aim? It is doubtful they could do anything to expedite the matter

The aim would be to hopefully get the Housing Association to take the matter more seriously and expedite it. The cold conditions are triggering airway narrowing and it is likely to cause a hospital admission if he suffers another attack. I am very concerned.

I would doubt that the HA aren't taking it seriously, but they may be obliged to obtain 3 quotes. Your partner has been provided with electric heaters so if it is cold he should use them. If insufficient number he could ask for more and explain the situation. NHS cannot force the HA to expedite matters. 

Miranda74Cat

Just an update, there is still no hot water or heating and absolutely no work has been done.

GDB2222

If heating is part of the contract, how much are the HA prepared to pay towards electricity? 

Miranda74Cat

I don't know, I was really hoping to get some advice on what to ask for on his behalf. Heating is included in the rent, I don't know what proportion and seriously doubt anyone at this housing association would either

GDB2222

Miranda74Cat said:

I don't know, I was really hoping to get some advice on what to ask for on his behalf. Heating is included in the rent, I don't know what proportion and seriously doubt anyone at this housing association would either

These communal heating systems are a great idea when they work, but the parts are not standard and they can take months to repair. 

Given his health conditions, he needs to stay reasonably warm. That means switching on the electric heater. Plus an immersion heater for hot water. 

To get an idea of the cost of the extra electricity, I suggest taking a note of the meter reading on a daily basis. The number of units he normally uses can be worked out from old electricity bills, and I think that he should be claiming the cost of all the extra units from the HA. 

I also think that he should organise all the other tenants to protest, as they are all in the same boat. 

dannim12345

Just ask for all heating costs to be covered and see what the HA says.  I used to work at a HA and if residents had issues which meant they had to run heaters or dehumidifiers there was a ‘set’ rate per week they would offer to cover electricity costs. A bit different to having it usually included in the rent but if you don’t ask, you, don’t get (unfortunately). 

Also if you aren’t getting updates put in a formal complaint (and escalate to the housing ombudsman if needed).