We've updated our 'No Access' arrangements following Awaab's Law

Following Awaab’s Law, which sets clear legal timeframes for social landlords to respond to serious housing hazards like damp, mould and emergency repairs, we’ve published our new ‘No Access’ procedure (PDF, 230 KB) for customers’ homes.

Our updated ‘No Access’ process clearly sets out how we’ll work with you to gain access to your home when we need to check for any potential risks.

We want to make sure that your home is safe. That’s why we’ve updated our approach, to make it clearer, quicker and more joined up. This means we can access homes, asses any issues and take action as soon as possible to keep everyone safe.

Our new procedure means that in an emergency situation, if we visit your home once and we’re not able to get in, we’ll need to gain emergency access on the second attempt.

Mark Batchelor, Hyde’s Director of Property Services explained:

“Our new procedure ensures that we’re recording, assessing and acting on any possible hazards in the right way. We want every customer to live in a safe and comfortable home, but that relies on us being able to gain access when we need to make an assessment or carry out essential work.

"In an emergency situation, we’ll take steps to gain emergency access on the second visit, after one unsuccessful attempt. This step, along with applying to the court for an injunction to gain access, really is a last resort. Our goal is always to work with you to put things right before it ever reaches that stage.

“We recognise that sometimes there are personal reasons why accessing customers’ homes might be difficult, and we’re committed to offering support as well as solutions. But it’s important that we act quickly and find the best ways to gain access to ensure every home remains safe.”

The key changes to our 'No Access' procedure are:

For emergency access*

Previous procedure

We would visit a home twice before forcing access.

New procedure

We'll now attend once and then gain emergency access on the second attempt.

For general access

Previous procedure

We would visit a home three times before seeking an injunction.

New procedure

We’ll now visit twice before seeking an injunction and Notice of Seeking Possession**.

Our new Damp and Mould and 'No Access' procedures make it easier for us to act quickly, communicate openly and make sure our customers’ homes are safe and comfortable places to live.

* An emergency is considered anything that may be a threat to you, your home or your neighbourhood.

**What is a Notice of Seeking Possession?

A Notice of Seeking Possession (NOSP) is an official warning if there is a serious problem with your tenancy. In this case, it would be a failure to provide access for important safety checks or repairs (for example, damp and mould inspections).

But you still have a chance to sort things out before any court action happens. It’s meant to encourage communication and resolution, not to take your home away immediately.