I don't want to let gas man in

[Whyohwhy99]

I don't want to let the gas man in. I have already cancelled twice. Every year I get warning letters.. I don't want to let anyone in. I don't want have any form of interaction. I don't want anyone physically in my house. I don't even know when they are coming. I just know its an afternoon appointment.

The house is reasonably tidy.
No i know they won't hurt me. I can't explain it.

My gas engineer takes about 30 or 40 mins but he is servicing the boiler and the central heating system. I just leave him to get on with it. If its just a gas hob can't imagine that would take long. OP he is there to do the job nothing else do something else while he is working.

Even if she only has a gas hob?

Only in Scotland.

OP do you have anyone that you l can support you during the visit? It's not a very long visit and you'll want to avoid the legal process and eviction.

Stop being so ridiculous. Why on earth would you not want to make sure that your house if gas safe. Can you imagine if you had a faulty hob or boiler and a gas leak blows up your house and your neighbours. Extreme I know!!! ..... but it could happen

Your reaction is very extreme, so yes tbh I would classify it as a mental health problem.

This is you isn't it? You've written about 5 similar posts this week.

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/_chat/5560686-could-i-have-adhd-maybe-something-else-maybe-nothing-nobody-look-into-it

Absolutely, I'm not trying to be argumentative but to check all the safety controls etc and ventilation, gas rates and or pressures (all of which is a legal requirement under the safety and use regulations) takes more than 10 minutes. Then if they do a gas tightness test that's a minimum of another 4

Unfortunately both Gas and Electric men have a statutory right of entry to your home, this old clip might raise a smile -

I know that it makes you uncomfortable but perhaps if you know there is nothing you can do, it might make it easier.

Wow, when did you get your empathy bypass?

Some people find having to allow strangers into their homes is really traumatic. I came across this several times when I worked in supported housing.

Yes this is a mental health issue.

Are you anxious in other areas of your life? Are you comfortable inviting people you like into your home? Do you live with anyone? Have you ever talked to a health professional about these emotions?

Get help urgently your mental health is preventing safety checks

can you step into another room and let a friend handle the visit

Are you in social housing, OP?

If you get on ok with your housing officer, they might be prepared to be there to support you while the inspection takes place. And if your anxiety around this is due to a mental health condition, having a specific time for the appointment, rather than a 3-hour window, would be a reasonable adjustment on grounds of disability and the company doing the check should be able to accommodate this.

Of course that comes under mental health, OP. You sound like you have quite a severe social anxiety / phobia kind of condition.

Do you mind me asking if something has happened to you in the past that makes you worried about someone coming into your home? Would you find it easier if it was a woman, do you think?

Is there something about your home that you don't want people to see? Or do you have thoughts about your house being 'contaminated' if a stranger comes in?

Is it only strangers you're worried about, or do you let friends/family into your home?

If you tell us a bit more information, people might be able to give you a little bit more advice on how you can get some help with managing this.

I do eventually let them in. But I avoid it until I start getting warnings. And I know i do the same thing over and over

Are you like this with anyone in your house? Washing machine repair man and such like?

Omg 😭

You need to make a GP appointment to discuss your issues.

You need to let the Gas Servicer in if is a rented property. It is a legal requirement and dangerous otherwise. I would think once you have it done you will feel better.
If you don't your landlord will be under pressure, and will get charged for missed appointments - and I'd imagine there will be passing this cost on to you.
If it is your own house - you still should have this done. You seem to be acting irrationally.

Try not yo worry, it won't be for too long.

We gas men are an understanding bunch. You will be absolutely fine. Better to get things checked for safety

No upstairs appliances, no need to go upstairs.
This sounds like anxiety or trauma.
You can get help with this, when you are ready.. Each health authority has a talking therapy service, you can self refer, and no one needs to come to the house, as it can be done like a zoom meeting.

I understand your anxiety and how it makes you feel.

If you explain to the housing where you are at with your mental health they will be understanding and will make sure the gas safety person is sensitive to this.
Good luck

The above comment isn’t correct. The only gas appliance I have is a boiler. My gas safety checks never take more than 15 mins.

I probably have to let people in my house 3 /4 times a year.
I don't have any friends.

You have previously let someone into the house. Nothing bad happened. Tell yourself that nothing bad will happen this time, nothing bad will happen next time, you got through it just fine. The end result has always been the same, somebody came to the house, did their checks, and left. If you can stop tormenting yourself so much, maybe at some point in the future these kind of appointments will lose their power to unsettle you. I am rooting for you, OP.

If this is a rental, the annual gas safety check also includes testing the@ smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

I’ve never known it to take less than half an hour, though if there is no gas boiler it’ll take less time. Maybe 15-20 minutes, at a guess.

@Whyohwhy99 - you need to get help. This is no way to live!

Tough. You've got to do it.

Never mind getting evicted or them forcing entry, your children could die.