That we should be a priority?

[NaNaNaBatman]

I am a single parent of 2DC (2 and 4) we live in a housing association house and they are in charge of all repairs etc.

Our heating has been broken for a month now, I've called them twice about it and they say as we have hot water we are not considered a priority and I should hear something within the next 15 days to book an appointment for them to come and look at it.

It is freezing and we are all currently wearing a jumper and a dressing gown because it is so cold.

AIBU to think that we have been left long enough? Should I keep calling them or is this common?

[bessiebumptious2]

I think you should tell them that you have no hot water either now. Is the heating engineer really going to stop what he's doing and say "oh now, they never said that , so I'm going to have to leave it? Doubtful.

Or... deny that you said the water wasn't hot!! I would.

[SurlyCue]

Youve only called them twice in a month? i would be cracking up! Call them tomorrow and ask to speak to the person who arranges appointments. If you get no joy speak to your local MP. And ring them every single day til you get it fixed. Go to the office if you can too.

[Daffodil90]

Keep calling - every day. I'm sure their office is busy but that's no excuse to leave you and two small children freezing, and the weather is only going to get worse.

Hope it gets sorted soon for you :)

[Jw35]

Say the water is cold and when someone comes round say it must have gone back on! Phone everyday, it's nearly December and you have 2 toddlers in the house

[MrsTerryPratchett]

Talk to Shelter. Between 31st October and 1st May this says it should be a one day repair! Start getting loud.

[GoblinLittleOwl]

Call them regularly, every hour on the hour; you have two small children.

Lose your temper if they don't respond.(advice from Gas repair man. He said they won't take any notice if you don't. Gas fire failed and cut off central heating; tenth call out, and two small children.)

[lizzydrippingsghost]

do they know you have small dcs. ours only give priority to ppl with small children, ppl with serious health conditions and the elderly.
seems strange they would leave you with no heating with little ones

[OnlyLovers]

Yep, call them several times a day and be polite but firm and repetitive in saying what you need.

Contact your local MP too.

[Wolpertinger]

I can't believe you've only called them twice!

Call them every single day more than once until they are sick of you.

[HelenaDove]

The minute i saw the title of this thread i knew it would be something like this.


www.kilburntimes.co.uk/news/willesden_pensioner_forced_to_live_with_no_hot_water_and_heating_for_seven_months_contracts_pneumonia_1_1389701

[HelenaDove]

www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/11252448.Deptford_mum_left_without_hot_water_for_four_years_in__third_world__conditions/


There are major problems in the sector which media outlet wants to report on.

[HelenaDove]

Sorry .....which NO media outlet wants to report on.

[mrsjanedoe]

Can't you just call a plumber, then forward his bill to your housing association (or whoever is in charge)?

I would not stay in a house with no heating with little ones for more than 2 days, it's too cold to give them a bath in a bathroom with no heating, and your home risks getting mouldy without heating!

[HelenaDove]

jane in most tenancy agreements you arent allowed to.

[RJnomore1]

You shouldn't have to, but be more persistent. Don't talk to whoever answers the phone. You want to speak to a housing manager. Check their repairs policy. Quote it at them. Threaten the press.

You aren't in Scotland are you, if so threaten reporting to the regulator - sorry I'm not too familiar with the English set upon but that would get you a guaranteed result here.

[mrsjanedoe]

Still worth paying someone to have a look around.

Of course, if the whole thing needs replacing, then it will cost a few thousands, but it might just be a pressure problem which would be fixed for a £100 or so.

Is it really worth keeping your kids in a freezing cold house to save a few quids?

[HelenaDove]

jane a lot of single or coupled up parents wont have £100 to spare.

[HelenaDove]

"Is it really worth keeping your kids in a freezing cold house to save a few quids?"



This is the HAs fault not the tenants.

[specialsubject]

does no-one control or monitor housing associations? This is disgusting.

[Gladysandtheflathamsandwich]

I agree that you need to get on to them, quoting the information above.

Also, get yourself on FB, freecycle and freegle and ask if anyone has a plug in radiator or two that you could have/borrow.

[HelenaDove]

special there is no proper regulation that has any teeth.

[RJnomore1]

It completely depends where the op is based. If she's in Scotland I can give her lots of advice but I suspect she isn't.

[mrsjanedoe]

This is the HAs fault not the tenants.

Does it matter whose fault is it, when you have young kids?
I am sorry, I do not understand this attitude of "I am entitled to something, so I will not bulge until I get it", as opposed to getting on with it, and trying to find an alternate solution. (here just the visit of a plumber to at least know how bad the problem is!)

But anyway, hope that gets resolved fast, it's awfully cold at the moment.

[OnlyLovers]

mrsjane, what people are saying is that you can't just assume the OP has the cash to sort it out herself.