Tenant advice on allowing us access to your home

If we are still not able to gain access to your home after following our usual steps we may have to take legal action against you.

This is always a last resort. We only consider it where access is required for essential or legally‑required safety checks or repairs, and we have been unable to gain access despite repeated attempts to contact you.

What happens before legal action

Before going to court, we will:

• write to you several times explaining why access is needed
• try to contact you by letter, phone or via your Neighbourhoods Officer
• give you clear opportunities to rearrange an appointment or discuss any difficulties

Our aim is to resolve the issue without court action wherever possible.

If legal action is unavoidable

If we still cannot gain access, we may apply to the County Court for an order that allows us to enter your home to carry out the required works.

If this happens, you can expect:

• formal legal letters explaining the court process and what is being requested
• clear information about what work needs to be done and why
• details of any court hearing or deadlines to respond
• the opportunity to contact us or seek independent advice

Court orders and access

If the court grants an order:

• we will arrange a date to access your home
• this may involve contractors attending with a locksmith, if required
• the work will be limited to what the court order allows

We will always aim to minimise disruption and treat your home and belongings with respect.

Possible costs

In some cases:

• court and legal costs may be charged to you, particularly if access could have been provided earlier
• these costs will be explained clearly if they apply

Support is available

We understand that there may be health, vulnerability, anxiety or other personal reasons why access is difficult.

If this applies to you:

• please contact us as soon as possible
• we can discuss support, reasonable adjustments or alternative arrangements

Early contact can help prevent the situation from reaching this stage.