Bromsgrove’s largest provider of social housing, bdht (Bromsgrove District Housing Trust), wants to make sure its tenants feel comfortable with house visits during the winter months, as annual gas checks become a necessity.

As a landlord, bdht is legally responsible for the safety of its customers and is committed to carrying out annual safety checks on gas appliances and pipework, even if the supply has been capped at the meter or boiler.

These checks have always been in place, but with the current restrictions due to Covid-19, the housing provider is aware that some tenants may be anxious about letting others in to their homes. Therefore, bdht is keen to reassure customers of the processes it has in place to ensure their safety, as well as staff.

bdht is keen to point out that all tenants will always receive confirmation of their appointment date and time so they can expect a friendly knock at the door. The social housing provider will also request that residents’ stay in a different room, whilst works are carried out, ensuring a safe distance of two metres at all times, in line with government guidelines.

The engineer, who will be wearing approved PPE, will also ensure that they wipe down the areas they will be working in before and after the gas safety test is done. It’s also worth noting that tenants will never be asked to sign any documentation and all tenants have a responsibility to let bdht know if anyone is showing Coronavirus symptoms, which will result in appointments being postponed for 14 days.

The housing provider has also noticed an increase in the number of customers who are not at home for their appointment and is kindly asking those that cannot make their appointment to contact bdht on 0800 0850 160.

Jeanette Matthews, Head of Customer Delivery, said: “Here at bdht the safety of our tenants is paramount, and we pride ourselves on offering a service in which they should feel comfortable at all times.

“As we enter the winter months gas safety checks are mandatory and we want to let all of our customers know that we have a detailed process in place which is totally compliant with government guidelines. All of our team are fully trained Gas Safe Registered Engineers with a wealth of experience, and you can all rest assured that you are in safe hands as we enter chillier climates.”

bdht is a registered provider of social housing, serving the district of Bromsgrove and surrounding areas. The not-for-profit organisation aims to improve the communities in which it is based, working closely with partners, such as the council, police and residents, to provide secure and comfortable accommodation, and safe and happy neighbourhoods. While also undertaking a wide range of activities under contract to others including homelessness, supporting people, extra care and general estate management. For more information, visit www.bdht.co.uk/

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