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Tenants refusing boiler checks put lives at risk
Officials are having to force their way into the homes of council tenants who refuse them entry to carry out safety checks on boilers.
St Georges Community Housing, which manages Basildon Council's 12,000 properties, had to resort to a court injunction to enter the home of one man who repeatedly refused to let in gas inspectors.
A second injunction has been taken out to get into another home, with eight further cases pending.
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Steve Shynn, interim chief executive of St Georges, warned tenants who refused to let them in were playing "Russian roulette" with their lives, by getting boilers and flues checked.
He said: "Residents who slam the door on gas safety are breaching their tenancy conditions and playing with the lives of their families and other residents.
"We carry out checks on more than 9,500 boilers every year, with the vast majority of people willing to take part for their own safety and peace of mind.
"However, a handful of residents put their own lives, and those of neighbours, at risk, by stubbornly refusing to have their boilers inspected."
The first man to be given an injunction did eventually backed down and open his door. However, his lack of co-operation will still be penalised - with a bill for more than £550, to cover legal costs.
St Georges is required by law to inspect gas appliances to protect tenants from carbon monoxide poisoning and other hazards.
Mr Shynn added: "We take our legal duty to protect tenants very seriously. Anyone who repeatedly refuses to have their boiler checked can expect to face legal action and costs of more than £500."
The checks are free, take about half an hour and can be arranged at a time, convenient to the tenant.
Mr Shynn said: "We are urging all residents to put safety first, by sticking to appointments or arranging one which is suitable to them.
"We make exhaustive attempts to contact tenants and give them every opportunity to respond before pursuing legal action."
Sent: 12/03/2008
Email us direct at: repairs@londonheatingservices.co.uk
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