Gaining Access Process

This process applies to all Council employees or their agents who require access into tenant homes to fulfil the Council’s statutory and regulatory duties.  Any wider risks posed are balanced against any vulnerabilities of tenants or households concerned.

Effective Date:    

1 October 2026

Review Date:    

30 September 2029

Author:

Simon Walton / Kim Ward

Process Owned by:    

Simon Walton, Interim Assistant Director Homes & Neighbourhoods

Statute:  

Housing Act 1985 
Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 
Electrical Safety Regulations 2018 
The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 
Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 
Defective Premises Act 1972 
Environmental Protection Act 1990

Related Policies    

Vulnerable tenants and reasonable adjustments policy

1.1    The process applies to all properties owned by the Council, or any managed by third parties on behalf of the Council. This process does not relate to obtaining access to a property as a part of the repossession process, nor to forcing entry in emergency situations. The process highlights some actions which may be taken by the Council under the tenancy agreement where access is necessary to enable it to undertake its statutory and regulatory duty, but access is denied.

1.2    This covers all types of property, safety and compliance inspections, and associated works carried out by staff and its’ representatives or contractors. This includes gas safety checks, electrical safety inspections, fire safety works, asbestos and condition surveys and other compliance-related activities including emergency maintenance and repairs.