KHT Force Entry

KHT has had to force its way into one of the homes it manages after the tenant refused to let them carry out vital gas safety checks.

The Trust had spent nearly 12 months trying to contact the tenant, who lives at Boundary Farm Road in Halewood. During this time, maintenance staff regularly visited the man's home, leaving numerous letters and calling cards, all of which were ignored. Eventually the Trust had no option but to ask the courts for permission to enter the home.

Upon entering the property, workmen found that the tenant wasn't home. There was however evidence that both the gas and electricity meter had been interfered with and that services were being accessed illegally. Around 30 people in the UK die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning. The Trust's intervention has averted not only this risk, but also the very real possibility of a gas explosion.

The property has now been resecured and the Trust is waiting for the tenant to get in touch with them, upon which he will be charged with the costs for the forced entry and courts costs. He is also likely to face action from the gas and electricity companies.

Paul Worthington, KHT's Assistant Director of Maintenance said; "Although this action was very much a last resort, we are determined to do everything we can to safeguard the lives of our tenants, their families and neighbouring residents."

The Trust is now urging all of its tenants to ensure that they allow maintenance staff into their homes to carry out an annual gas safety check.