Technology
Monitoring & Smart Controls Feature
entrance hall as well as the stairwells of blocks of flats. If a landlord or managing agent fails to carry out the appropriate remedial
works to ensure that the property is made fit for human habitation within a reasonable time of notification, they can be ordered by a court to pay damages. The tenant also has the option to seek an injunction from the court requiring the landlord to make the property fit for human habitation, whatever the cost of those works. For larger landlords this will mean the existing Housing Disrepair Protocol will need to be amended to include the various HHSRS hazards and, like with Disrepair claims, general damages will be assessed by the diminution of rent principle. The good news is that as with repairing obligations in Section 11 of the LTA
1985 landlords will have a reasonable period of time once notified that the property is unfit for human habitation to put right the defects, after which the tenant then has the option to sue directly for damages. The LTA 1985 implies a promise on the part of a tenant to give access to inspect the property, to prepare a report and to then carry out any remedial works. If a surveyor decides that the fault lies with the tenant (i.e. because of lifestyle), then landlords will not be responsible. The legislation states that landlords are not responsible for unfitness caused by the tenant’s failure to behave in a tenant-like manner. The two main points that the majority of landlords will need to focus on are
Landlords are likely to see an increase in disrepair claims for already recognised issues such are damp and mould
their time to repair and their ability to monitor the on-going condition of their property portfolio. Taking too long to repair a property now has significantly more severe consequences. In the next year or two, we are likely to see some organisations who have extensive repairs backlogs strain under the weight of litigation. On-going monitoring poses a significantly greater issue for most landlords. Ensuring shared spaces don’t develop cases of mould, ensuring wall insulation hasn’t failed and that you have supporting data to prove your works have been carried out successfully will be the challenge for most organisations. So, the question is what do you and your organisation need to do differently to remain on the right side of the law?
Ian Napier is chief commercial officer at Switchee
Intratone keeps Stockport housing residents updated
Intratone, one of Europe’s largest access control specialists, has installed 25 of its digital noticeboards in the communal areas of a number of tower blocks in Stockport Housing Group’s property portfolio supporting the group’s aim of enhancing digital communications. Stockport Homes is an Arm’s Length Management Organisation that is responsible for managing housing stock comprising more than 11,500 homes on behalf of Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council. Stockport Homes wanted to be able to communicate important messages to residents such as maintenance works, lifts being out of operation and fire safety information in a quick and simple way via a cloud-based system that can be accessed remotely, 24/7. The asset managers, compliance managers and the communications team can upload PDFs, spreadsheets, word documents or design their own messages, and can manage individual boards or whole groups at a time through Intratone’s cloud- based management portal. The noticeboards use GSM technology so wireless networks are not required, and they are quick and easy to install. The digital noticeboards are 15in diameter; IP65 rated and made of 10mm thick glass so they are vandal resistant.
0207 0926 613
www.intratone.uk.com “Door Unlock Invitation” update from KMS
KMS have recognised that often the ability to give access through a housing block communal door on a temporary but not regular basis is required. In the past the solution has been to provide temporary fobs, but this can take time and relies on the contractor or guest to return the fob after use. Now SimpleKey Web has been updated to allow a “Door Unlock Invitation”. This function allows the system administrator to send an invitation via an email to a contractor or visitor, so that when they arrive at the housing block it enables them to gain access through the communal door(s) by following the simple email instructions. Come and find out how at Housing 2019, Manchester Central, Stand C1.
01494 531099
www.kms.uk.net 32 | HMM April/May 2019 |
www.housingmmonline.co.uk Housing Management & Maintenance
The Housing Management & Maintenance (HMM) website is an online provider of past and present news items dedicated to keep professionals within this sector updated with a wide range of topics including legislation, projects, products and more.
housingmmonline.co.uk is a one-stop source for all the latest press releases providing any visitor with access to information about products and services that they may require. From the website, you can find links to digital issues that have live links to advertisers’ sites, as well as email alerts to keep you as informed as possible.
www.housingmmonline.co.uk
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