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Original poster

To refuse the repairs until summer?

34 replies

Chilleez · 09/01/2025 07:40

The housing association have said the roof needs replacing. Routine, timed replacement, there's not been any issues it's just due.

They want to do it at the end of this month and said the work will take 2 weeks.

My house is 3 storeys and the 3rd floor gets really cold already.
I'm on disability benefits and can't afford to have the heating on all the time.

It's going to be absolutely freezing up there with no roof for a while in Jan/February

My daughter and son are on the top floor and my daughter is autistic and doesn't do well with change/disruption so I know it already going to be a nightmare.

I also have to clear out the entire loft. Alot of which I could put in the shed in summer but not winter.

Wibu to ask them if they can schedule the work for summer?

OP posts:
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Notaflippinclue · 10/01/2025 10:37

After the recent storms roofers are probably flat out

FaithFables · 09/01/2025 20:33

StillAtTheRestaurant · 09/01/2025 09:06

Why do you think the HA would replan their whole repairs schedule around what would be easiest for you?

Because she has to live through the repairs? And as she's said she can't afford the extra heating costs! Would YOU schedule to have a new roof done in the middle of January?

Roselilly36 · 09/01/2025 20:18

I doubt you will be able to change the date, I expect they will have employed a contractor to replace roofs in your area. But I agree, what a time of year to do it!

EffinMagicFairy · 09/01/2025 19:35

Our roof was scheduled to be done last August, roofers we’re running behind, they got to us in Dec, it was fine , and that’s with the 3 named storms at the end of last year. They should plan and make sure all felt and batons are in before any stormy/rainy weather to make water tight. It was fine, I’m glad we did it and it’s out the way.

allthemiddlechildrenoftheworld · 09/01/2025 19:32

@Chilleez what has the boiler got to do with the roof repair??? are they putting solar panels on or something?? if that is what they are doing, then you would be a fool to delay the works!

DogInATent · 09/01/2025 19:17

Chilleez · 09/01/2025 18:58

Yes they said because the gas is attached to the flues that go to the roof or something?

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Ah, ok. Most properties round here have the low level flue coming out the wall instead of going up to roof height.

GrannyAchingsShepherdsHut · 09/01/2025 19:07

It's so the fumes from the flue don't poison the roofers.

OP, I work in this area, if one of our tenants with disabilities phoned up and asked us not to rip off their roof and turn off their heating in January we'd absolutely accommodate that. In fact we wouldn't arrange it for then in the first place!!

Actually we'd also likely move you out to somewhere else while the work was going on if it meant no heating, hot water and cooking, unless you desperately wanted to stay and were happy dealing with the disruption.

Original poster
Chilleez · 09/01/2025 19:00

Just googled

To refuse the repairs until summer?
OP posts:
Original poster
Chilleez · 09/01/2025 18:58

DogInATent · 09/01/2025 18:54

For a roof replacement?

That makes no sense. Have they sent you the right leaflet?

Show quote history

Yes they said because the gas is attached to the flues that go to the roof or something?

OP posts:
DogInATent · 09/01/2025 18:54

Chilleez · 09/01/2025 18:47

I've had an information booklet posted through and it says that they will turn the boiler and oven off every morning at 8am and reconnect it in the evening when they leave.

I can't be left with no heating in January and no way to cook!?

I'm going to ring them tomorrow.

For a roof replacement?

That makes no sense. Have they sent you the right leaflet?

Original poster
Chilleez · 09/01/2025 18:47

I've had an information booklet posted through and it says that they will turn the boiler and oven off every morning at 8am and reconnect it in the evening when they leave.

I can't be left with no heating in January and no way to cook!?

I'm going to ring them tomorrow.

OP posts:
BigSilly · 09/01/2025 11:20

Well everyone will prefer their roof done in summer, someone has to pull the short straw

zingally · 09/01/2025 11:19

Curtainqueen · 09/01/2025 10:45

It's not the council.

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Housing association vs council house. In this case, basically the same thing. The house is owned by someone who isn't the OP.

No one likes a pedant. ;)

Aligirlbear · 09/01/2025 10:58

You can ask but it doesn't mean they will agree. They will have an agreed schedule with the builders and suspect it would be difficult / impossible to get them to come back to do one job in the summer. The builders will have their schedule worked out for the next year already.

Curtainqueen · 09/01/2025 10:45

zingally · 09/01/2025 10:33

Of course the council want to do it now. It's cheaper probably, because everyone wants it done in the summer. And it's in the councils interests to keep costs down, and to maintain the quality of the home.

It's not the council.

Curtainqueen · 09/01/2025 10:44

I doubt very much that the 2 week estimate means there will be no roof at all for the whole 2 weeks. You could be overthinking this.

zingally · 09/01/2025 10:33

Of course the council want to do it now. It's cheaper probably, because everyone wants it done in the summer. And it's in the councils interests to keep costs down, and to maintain the quality of the home.

CatsorDogsrule · 09/01/2025 09:56

Chilleez · 09/01/2025 09:32

Because we are a multi disability household and they have made accommodations before based on that.

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That's positive so you might have a good chance of negotiating with them. But be prepared in case they say no, as these are extensive works that might be difficult for them to reschedule. Hope it works out for you.

Cattery · 09/01/2025 09:51

@Chilleez Ah ok. Sorry. Yeh just let them crack on. They’ll do it as quickly as they can then it’s done x

Original poster
Chilleez · 09/01/2025 09:41

Cattery · 09/01/2025 09:39

Just let them do it and get it over with. Are you the poster that didn’t want them renewing the kitchen??

No 🥴

OP posts:
Showerflowers · 09/01/2025 09:39

StillAtTheRestaurant · 09/01/2025 09:06

Why do you think the HA would replan their whole repairs schedule around what would be easiest for you?

Why wouldn't they?. Mine were very helpful and even allowed me to pick two days for our windows and doors being replaced so we could arrange for our ASD dc to stay with their grandparents. When you have disabled people in the household everything is a lot more complicated.

Cattery · 09/01/2025 09:39

Just let them do it and get it over with. Are you the poster that didn’t want them renewing the kitchen??

Original poster
Chilleez · 09/01/2025 09:32

StillAtTheRestaurant · 09/01/2025 09:06

Why do you think the HA would replan their whole repairs schedule around what would be easiest for you?

Because we are a multi disability household and they have made accommodations before based on that.

OP posts:
Snowpatrolling · 09/01/2025 09:11

I lived in a top floor flat and had roof done in a month where it snowed heavily, can’t remember when it was, it was fine tho. Didn’t feel any cold and no leaks.

spinningisthebest · 09/01/2025 09:11

I would jump at it- if the roof needs replacing and the weather continues as rainy and windy as it is now you could get leaks and problems. Ask them to make sure the house will be secure and as others have said get them to check insulation. I've had roofs replaced on two different accommodations and it's been fine.