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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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

190 replies

allowaccess · 03/06/2026 08:52

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??

OP posts:
Nearly50omg · 03/06/2026 19:40

They need to explain to your insurance company how they are going to be covering any theft or damage to tie property then as insurance won’t be valid in this situation if you leave the keys to your house to a load of random workers!!

JenniferBooth · 03/06/2026 19:45

Nearly50omg · 03/06/2026 19:40

They need to explain to your insurance company how they are going to be covering any theft or damage to tie property then as insurance won’t be valid in this situation if you leave the keys to your house to a load of random workers!!

Exactly thats what the hard of thinking on this thread dont seem to understand or more likely dont want to understand

JenniferBooth · 03/06/2026 19:47

And thats another reason why it wouldnt work with flats Random workmen with loads of different sets of keys

rwalker · 03/06/2026 19:51

I doubt it’s for the toilet a portable toilet or even a welfare cabin would be far cheaper

JenniferBooth · 03/06/2026 20:46

allowaccess · 03/06/2026 16:03

I’ve emailed my housing officer. Declined the new offer of temporary accommodation and explained again why. I’ve also asked for clarification about noise levels and reasons for wanting me to vacate and asked about what they mean by ‘facilities’.
They only worked on the house for 2 hours today so I can see why it will take ‘weeks’

My late neighbour had this shit pulled on him NINE MONTHS to fit his kitchen. They would come in for couple of hours do a bit then piss off

Blondeshavemorefun · 04/06/2026 00:49

Seems very strange they would go for extra cost to move a family while work is being done rather then hire a portaloo or use their toilet

I wouldn’t have an issue with workman using my toilet or to use kettle and make a cuppa

sueelleker · 04/06/2026 09:45

Elleherd · 03/06/2026 19:23

@Dancingintherain09 and @BrownTroutBluesAgain I hear you.

I guess it comes down to what they mean by facilities. You're both right that it does seem to mean the loo.
Here they expanded it to mean water supplies, the 32amp kitchen ring mains, and the easiest straight access route to the back of the property, rather than specifically just the loo.

(Assumption by LL's was we had to cover the power and water used, at least if we wouldn't vacate)

If they really mean just the loo, expecting her to vacate is beyond ridiculous.

I did wonder if they were planning on using her electricity too.

allowaccess · 04/06/2026 16:09

They didn’t answer my questions but have said we can stay here but at certain points we will not be permitted to use the garden at all due to scaffolding. They said I will have to sign something to say I accept the risks and that we won’t access the scaffolding at any point.

OP posts:
BrownTroutBluesAgain · 04/06/2026 16:12

allowaccess · 04/06/2026 16:09

They didn’t answer my questions but have said we can stay here but at certain points we will not be permitted to use the garden at all due to scaffolding. They said I will have to sign something to say I accept the risks and that we won’t access the scaffolding at any point.

Ask them to cover the scaffolding to protect your property and garden from dirt and stuff falling

Ensure the waiver to sign is just concerning you accessing the scaffold and does not cover them breaking g stuff during erection and use
They must protect your property

It seems clear as they didn’t answer your question about facilities that they wanted to use your toilet. Perhaps the kitchen too and for a sit down when it rains 🤣🤣

allowaccess · 04/06/2026 16:18

BrownTroutBluesAgain · 04/06/2026 16:12

Ask them to cover the scaffolding to protect your property and garden from dirt and stuff falling

Ensure the waiver to sign is just concerning you accessing the scaffold and does not cover them breaking g stuff during erection and use
They must protect your property

It seems clear as they didn’t answer your question about facilities that they wanted to use your toilet. Perhaps the kitchen too and for a sit down when it rains 🤣🤣

Edited

I think it was that as we are on a main road there’s not really anywhere else for them to go and even parking is difficult so their vans could be quite far down the road. I’m assuming they just wanted the house to use as a base ?

OP posts:
helpfulperson · 04/06/2026 20:30

Nearly50omg · 03/06/2026 19:40

They need to explain to your insurance company how they are going to be covering any theft or damage to tie property then as insurance won’t be valid in this situation if you leave the keys to your house to a load of random workers!!

Will insurance not be through the HA anyway? It normally is.

Besidemyselfwithworry · 04/06/2026 20:34

allowaccess · 03/06/2026 09:04

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

They might want to get in the loft space if it’s to do with the roof

are they expected you to empty the house and put your stuff In storage/ take it with you ??

What does your tenancy agreement say?

allowaccess · 04/06/2026 21:09

helpfulperson · 04/06/2026 20:30

Will insurance not be through the HA anyway? It normally is.

Our contents insurance was arranged privately. The council insured the actual building

OP posts:
Whoopiedooo · 04/06/2026 23:23

Well done for standing firm, you have a win.

Hangingcrystal · Yesterday 11:41

Well done.
They wanted to use your house.
Unbelievable.
Who would take responsibility for a bunch of men using your home?
No one.
Can you imagine the likely state of it afterwards?

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