Fence panels removed without tenant’s consent

9:00am Saturday 5th January 2013 in News

Fence panels removed without tenant’s consent Fence panels removed without tenant’s consent

A frustrated West-bury tenant was forced to put tarpaulin up to cover two missing panels in her back garden fence, after they were removed by her housing association.

Elizabeth Herdman, who turned 73 on Christmas Eve, has had regular problems with the fence in windy weather, and reported more damage to Places for People in November.

The widowed pensioner was shocked to find two sections of her fence had been completely removed without her consent when she returned from a shopping trip the next day, leaving it dangerously unstable.When she rang Places for People to ask why the fence panels had not been replaced, she was told that their policy had changed.

Mrs Herdman, of Thornbury Road, said: “They removed two sections of the fence without securing the fence adjacent to the pavement.

“Places for People said they were not going to replace the fencing, despite it saying online and in my tenancy agreement it’s their responsibility.

“It was like talking to robots, they just didn’t care. I sat in my living room crying and then I started to get mad, because it needs sorting and I don’t feel safe.”

Mrs Herdman decided to buy tarpaulin and wire to cover up the gaps and strengthen the sections of the fence herself.

“I’m worried about leaving the house and either someone being able to get in through the gaps or the wind bringing down the rest of the fence and causing an injury to a passing pedestrian.”

Mrs Herdman, who has lived in the rented accommodation since 2001 with her dog Shadow, claims she is not the only tenant who has complained about Places for People’s change in policy.

A spokesman for Places for People said: “Places for People went to Mrs Herdman’s property on two occasions last month in order to remove storm damaged fence panels and create a safe environment.

“The organisation does have a policy in place to fulfil contractual obligations under the terms and conditions of the tenancy.

“This means we are obligated to replace and repair panels by the most economic means and through a planned programme of fencing works.

“This ensures cost effectiveness for us and our customers.

“Places for People can confirm that budgets are currently being reviewed and the programme will be available in the New Year.

“Customers will be told when the works will be carried out.”

Comments(13)

the optimist says...
9:39am Sat 5 Jan 13

These people have just had a best landlord award?

http://www.placesfor
people.co.uk/news.as
px/latest_news/we're
_the_nation's_best_l
andlord.aspx

What does this say for the other housing societies?

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Mrs Donnyfly says...
11:33am Sat 5 Jan 13

Perhaps she should have just got a couple of panels herself and put them up.

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redrum says...
11:49am Sat 5 Jan 13

This lady pays rent and if it is in her tenancy that it is their responsibility, why should she have to fork out money for it? Some places are happy to take the rent money but do not want to know of any problems. When we were renting while saving our deposit for our house we had an issue similar at one point. You stick to your guns and perhaps you should offer the company you rent through to miss a months payment which will cover the panels and hiring someone to erect them.

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gjwings says...
12:35pm Sat 5 Jan 13

who made a policy that said leave a gap in a fence and why are they in a job that are looking after tenants you say they won an award what was it for answers on a post card no rude words axcepted

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beetawix says...
1:07pm Sat 5 Jan 13

Mrs Donnyfly is right
If you have a gap option 1 is to complain until it is filled or more likely not fillled.
option 2 is to sort it out yourself (as it appears to be urgent and leaving a gap doesn't help a lot) and complain forever until you get a refund.
The likelihood of recompense is probably the same for each option.
Hopefully a local fencer will spot an opportunity for some publicity.

I wonder if she has written to her MP who might have a word with the minister of de-fence.

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Mrs Donnyfly says...
3:31pm Sat 5 Jan 13

gjwings wrote:
who made a policy that said leave a gap in a fence and why are they in a job that are looking after tenants you say they won an award what was it for answers on a post card no rude words axcepted
commas axcepted though

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sblethyn says...
9:55am Sun 6 Jan 13

beetawix wrote:
Mrs Donnyfly is right
If you have a gap option 1 is to complain until it is filled or more likely not fillled.
option 2 is to sort it out yourself (as it appears to be urgent and leaving a gap doesn't help a lot) and complain forever until you get a refund.
The likelihood of recompense is probably the same for each option.
Hopefully a local fencer will spot an opportunity for some publicity.

I wonder if she has written to her MP who might have a word with the minister of de-fence.
I agree with both Mrs Donnyfly and beetawix. If it is a hazard or threatens her security she should get it fixed and then claim the cash back, or tell them this is what she is proposing to do and see if it gees them up into action. Whingeing to the paper just makes her look pathetic.

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The.Central.Scrutinizer says...
12:37pm Mon 7 Jan 13

I would repair the fence for her myself except I am not able and even if I were able I can't put fences up very well.

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The.Central.Scrutinizer says...
12:40pm Mon 7 Jan 13

This company do not seem particulary good at or even interested in customer relations based on this report.

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beetawix says...
12:46pm Mon 7 Jan 13

The lady seems to have had a surplus of tarpaulin from which she has stitched herself a nice windcheater.

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Mrs Donnyfly says...
10:17pm Mon 7 Jan 13

I wonder what the stats are regarding pedestrian and fence collisions? I doubt that it is a common enough occurrence to be at the forefront of this lady's thinking - she should be more concerned with the possibility of her dog getting out throught the gap in the fence.

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yeold6x says...
2:08am Tue 8 Jan 13

is THROUGHT even a word? me TINKS not

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beetawix says...
11:10am Tue 8 Jan 13

any pea brain would know it was a typo and leave it at that

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