AIBU to refuse temporary accommodation for external work to our home?

[allowaccess]

Recently we were informed of exterior work to be done to our home (LA property). Nothing inside the house at all. No access needed to complete any of the external work other than access to the garden which is via a side gate not through the property.

We were instructed that for the duration of the work (no specific timeframe just ‘might be a few weeks’ ) that we would be placed in alternative accommodation that was miles away from where we are now and would cause significant issues for us with school as we have two children one with severe SEN. We also didn’t want to leave the house as it would be overwhelming for him to be away from familiarity for no real reason as it’s external work??

So we refused and set out in writing why. We were told no we have to vacate on a certain day. The only reason given when we pushed was ‘it will be noisy’. I said I’m fine to put up with some noise especially as it will only be between 8 am and-6pm. Again they said we need to vacate on the day and provide keys so they have access ??? They dont need access to inside.

The day has come and gone and we have stayed. My housing officer called on day 2 and said we need to allow access to the house while the work is ongoing. I said no as theres no need the work is external. They have said we need to allow access if needed to the team working. I told them again no the said they may need access to facilities! I said in that case they need to get portaloos if that’s the issue.

I then had an email giving another date to vacate for the work and a different address for temporary accommodation? Again I’ve said no. Can they actually force this or is it unreasonable as it’s not interior work ???

It hasn’t even been that noisy at all??

I can understand your frustration and point, but It’s not your house and if they tell you that you need to temporarily leave, you must.

I wonder if it’s to do with the decibels likely being above an expected noise threshold.

I will check the legal limits and then see if there is a way to check as it really hasn’t been that noisy at all?

What were they planning on using your toilet!! ?

What exterior works are being done, windows by any chance ?

You are incorrect, the landlord would need a court order, although it’s not clear in the OP if they have that. And while they don’t own the house, it is their home, so they do have rights

No windows were done 3 years ago in one day and they needed access to inside

It’s removing and repairing the exterior because of damp issues , replacing guttering and some work to the roof

So what work are they doing?

No court order

They said access to facilities was needed

Is there an option of spending the days outside the home in the week but coming back for the evenings? That may be more disruptive for you, I don’t know.

So basically they want you out so the workmen can use your loo? That would be a hard no from me as well. They can make other arrangements for that.

Next door neighbour who is HA had to move her and her family to temp accommodation while they treated the outside brickwork for damp. Was in a pub B&B for 2 weeks. It wasn't great but they did get all pub meals paid for which softened the blow! Obviously without access to a kitchen, they had to.

I think in this instance I'd say no too. Turfing you out just so they can use the loo - not acceptable. They need to take into account your SEN sweetie too, their needs trump a toilet any day surely?

Gosh, why do you have to be so difficult? If they need access for whatever reason you don't understand, why are you stopping it?

It's people like you who frustrate everyone and make something that should be straight forward a pain in the ass...just for what.. principles?

Talking about access, not moving out temporarily.

It's exactly that, asking them to move out temporarily, quite a distance away.
Just so they have access to the loo!

Why can’t you just let them use the toilet if they need to. It’s hardly as though they’ll be in there all day.

Because typically builders leave an atrocious mess? Because you don't want strange men in the house when you have children, never mind children with additional needs? Because the LA should be making provisions instead of forcing the OP to leave her home? And maybe not lie from the get go?

It could be to keep you safe. Entering and exiting a building with work like this going on could be dangerous.

I wouldn’t leave keys for access though!

I wouldn’t move out of my home so people working on the exterior of my home could have unlimited access to the inside of my home, with all of my possessions, just so they can use the toilet!

what a ridiculous suggestion!

I wonder whether it could be something to do with you having children, so the workmen might need to be DBS checked to be able to come in to use your loo on a regular basis. But I don’t know why they couldn’t hire a portaloo (cost I suppose).

Why do you have to be so rude? They aren’t even asking for access, they are demanding she move out so they can have it.

So they want you to move out for weeks just so they can use the loo?

Are they going to be cleaning it afterwards?? I would not be happy with workmen having free access to my house and belongings, while I'm not there.

Ask them to make a reasonable adjustment to their policy on account of you having disabled children. Say that if they don’t you might consider it discrimination under the Equality Act 2010. To be honest, I think if there are safety or serious financial consequences then it is probably arguable whether that would be a reasonable step to take but it may be enough to make them shut up, especially if it really only about access to the facilities.

As to the person who said “why do you have to be so difficult”… I have no words. I take it you do not have any disabled family members!

It's possible they would need access to the interior to isolate any electrical or mechanical things, as they may need to disconnect them to undertake the work. Things like external lights, taps, etc.

But I agree that it seems unnecessary for you to have to vacate because of this.

Your tenancy agreement will outline your requirement to give access for repairs, reasonable access. They may enforce this. But more likely they will work with you to meet both needs.

its more likely a H&S issue that means they need or would usually require the property empty while works are ongoing. They may need access to water (on/off),

there is usually a project manager, might be worth discussing options as opposed to just saying no.

is the work required? Did you request it? Was it planned? Work can be stopped if you don’t make it possible. What’s the outcome you want?