Coronavirus update of unity services

Following the Government’s announcement instructing people to stay at home we have reviewed what work we are able to undertake during the lockdown period. While there are some things that we are seeking clarification about, we would inform you of the following in respect of our repairs and maintenance services.

Communal Cleaning & Gardening Services.
These are suspended until we are advised that people can once again leave their homes and associate freely. We ask you to keep your internal and external communal areas as tidy as possible during this period.

Fire Alarm Testing & Repairs.
These will continue during the lock down period. We ask that in the event of an alarm activation you phone the number detailed on your notice board and provided to all tenancies using this service.
Our contractor for this work will change shortly from DOM Alarms to TI Security Systems. Full details are being circulated to all affected tenancies and placed on communal notice boards. Any queries in respect of this matter should be directed to our customer services team on 0113 200 7700.

Gas Safety Checks & Servicing.
We will continue with our programme of gas safety checks and servicing for as long as possible. This is to ensure that your gas appliance are safe for you to use. Our contractor’s engineers will use appropriate personal protective equipment and advise you how to remain safe in your home while they undertake this work.
It is very important that you provide access for these safety checks if requested. These safety checks are one of the most important checks that your home needs.

Repairs.
While we are still currently logging all repairs reported to us, we are concentrating our efforts on urgent and emergency works. We consider all repairs reported to us and prioritise them in respect of the following criteria:
• Health & Safety Work
• Emergency Work
• Work that can be undertaken with minimal contact and disruption to our customers (E.g. External work).
• Work that can be undertake within short timescales (E.g. 30minutes or less)
• The personal situation of our customers:
o Those who are suffering from or have been exposed to coronavirus and are self- isolating.
o Those who are in vulnerable groups and are self-isolating.
o Those subject to general lockdown criteria.
Unfortunately we are not able to guarantee the time scale for undertaking repairs during the lockdown period. Our contractor’s operatives will use appropriate personal protective equipment and advise you how to remain safe in your home while they undertake any work that is required.

Home Visits & Property Inspections
During the lockdown period our Housing, Income Management and Maintenance Officers will only be undertaking home visits in respect of emergency situations. They will wherever possible assist you via telephone, email or text. You should continue to contact the relevant officers via our customer services team on 0113 200 7700. Our customer services team are also able to help and advise you during this difficult period.

Lettings and Allocations
We are continually reviewing our Lettings and Allocation position as we receive advice and guidance from the government, the Regulator of Social Housing and our partners.

We will continue to follow the advice given by government and health professionals during this difficult time and work hard in delivering our services to you throughout the lockdown period.