Dear residents,

We are now asking residents to wear a face mask where possible, when we visit. This is voluntary, but we believe it provides a further level of safety for us all.

When we visit, we will wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and we will continue to social distance. Thank you for your understanding.
 

The following questions will be answered on this page:

1. I would like to report a repair, what should I do?
2. Will a contractor or staff member be able to deal with my repair?
3. If a contractor or staff visits my house, will I be safe?
4. What about the fire safety of my building?
5. And other legally required health and safety works?
6. Can I still visit the office?
7. Can I still hand back my keys in person?
8. My income has been affected by the Covid-19 measures and I'm struggling to pay rent. What can I do?
9. Will I be evicted if I can't pay my rent?

1. I would like to report a repair, what should I do?

Call us on 0117 9167 777
Monday to Friday, 8.30am-5pm

WhatsApp: 07712 670228

E-mail: info@brighterplaces.co.uk


2. Will a contractor or staff member be able to deal with my repair?

We continue to carry out essential health and safety tests, such as annual gas servicing or electrical testing, and to do emergency and routine repairs and planned works. Communal areas, fire safety and emergency lighting systems will continue to be inspected as usual.

We will not be making any routine visits for the moment but they will visit your home in an emergency or life-threatening situation.


3. If a contractor or staff member visits my house, will I be safe?

We will call you before we come to your home and ask if you or anyone in your household has Covid-19 symptoms, whether you are self-isolating or if you prefer to rearrange your appointment.

If you are self-isolating or shielding, we will explore options with you. This may affect how and when we carry out the repair.

Our operatives and staff members will keep a safe distance when they enter your home and use extra hygiene measures. You have an equal responsibility for works being done in a safe way. You may be asked to stay in another room during the repair. Please keep young children away from the working area. 

If you are not comfortable having our contractors and staff in your home, please e-mail us in advance to cancel any appointments you have booked with us or our contractors.


4. What about the fire, gas and electrical safety of my building?

We need to continue to make sure your building is safe during the pandemic and protect your and your neighbours' safety.

Communal areas will continue to be inspected as usual. Due to current circumstances, any items found in the communal area will be removed immediately. You may not be able to collect them until the lockdown is over.

Please help to keep you and your neighbours safe by keeping all belongings inside your home.


5. And other legally required health and safety works?

Where possible, we will continue to do servicing, inspections and works where we have a legal obligation to do so. This includes:

• Gas servicing
• Electrical testing
• Fire alarm inspections
• Inspections of some water systems

If you smell gas or are worried about an appliance, please call 0800 111 999 (National Gas Emergency).


6. Can I still visit the office?

Whilst our office is now open, please contact us by e-mail or phone to make an appointment to come in and see us.

Thank you.

7. Can I still hand back my keys in person?

If you would like to end your tenancy, it is important that you get in touch with us beforehand so we can give you clear instructions. Please e-mail us on info@brighterplaces.co.uk.

8. My income has been affected by the Covid-19 measures and I'm struggling to pay rent. What can I do?

We are aware that some household incomes are still affected by the coronavirus. We will work with you to reduce any impact as much as possible. Here is some information on what to do if you are affected:

Residents who receive Housing Benefit or Universal Credit should see little or no change - paying benefits is a government priority.

Residents who receive Housing Benefit should inform the Housing Benefit Office of any change of circumstances.

Changes for Universal Credit should be done via your UC journal. Please contact Solon if you need support.

If you don't receive any benefits, you can:

• Apply for Universal Credit via www.gov.uk/universal-credit
• Apply for Council Tax Reduction via your local council's website
• Contact Talking Money on 0117 9543990 for financial and benefits advice.

If you are in supported or temporary housing, you should apply for Housing Benefit via your local council's website.

Contact us for further help - info@brighterplaces.co.uk

We may agree a payment plan with you and allow you to pay less rent during the crisis. This will be based on your circumstances and your ability to pay. Any arrears agreed will need to be repaid at a later date. 

It is very important that you keep us updated with any changes in your circumstances.

If your income has not been affected by coronavirus, you should continue to pay your rent as usual.


9. Will I be evicted if I can't pay my rent?

From 24 August 2020, the Government is allowing Housing Associations to start court proceedings for rent arrears. We will only take residents to court as a last resort.

We will try to agree repayment plans with all residents who are struggling to pay their rent before we consider taking legal action.


For the latest government guidelines on COVID-19, please click here.

We will update this page regularly as more information becomes available. Our aim is to ensure that our residents receive as much support as possible during these uncertain times.


Last update: 29/06/2021