hi i am just wondering if there is any tenants who are experiencing are experienced problems with sheffield homes and kier, i have encounted many problems since moving in to the property 6 weeks ago. i have got alot damp in the kitchen the kitchen units have got damp in them and the sink unit is that rottern inside its falling to bits, also the toilet and porch ceiling are damp and bowing, my livingroom windows do not lock properly, along with many other little repairs. an inspector from sheffield homes came out and said they would do the repairs and nothing happened i had a secound inspector out wh refused to repair the sink unit, as you can imagine i was not happy and after a few stern words he said he would have to get back to his supervisor and i never heard anything else from sheffield homes. after alot of phone calls i called sheffield aid they told me i could make a complaint over the form which would be foemally logged and i could make an appointment to see a solicitor which i did do, sheffield homes have now recieved that with a list to all the direpair to the property and guess what i ahd a main inspector at the house this week and agreed to do all the repairs after i told him what the problem was as he didnt kinow what issues i had got, you would think they would have an idea. i am mortified what sheffield homes can legally get away with regarding a repair as long as it fixes the repair to a minimual standard they can do that, my inpression of kier is aslong as they have fixed the repair they dont care what it looks like, i am just wondering if sheffield tenants started to say no thats not satisfactory and started to complain more would things change??? gauranteed the inspectors and the managers in charge would not put up with the crap we do as they live in their own property, i dont think we should penilised because we cannot finacially afford the same.

Well done. when i got my house i was homeless so i had to take what thay gave me.it was a mess.on the bedroom doors was posters when i took them off thay was holes in the doors.sheffield homes said i had to sort them as i took the house as it was. so now i try to do the things my self.

Contact your Tenants and Residents Association, local councillor or MP, write to the Star, be a `nuisance` to the Housing people. Don`t give up, you are entitled to a home fit to live in.

Thaks this was coming up to 7 years ago.and im looking to move now i have a women at scoop aid helping me.

I've been lucky as far as repairs go, they've all been fine. My biggest problem with repairs has been that when I've contacted them and asked for an appointment I'll make it really clear what time I'll be in and they always turn up when they feel like it. Last year I made an appointment and asked for the afternoon and told them that there would be nobody at home until after 2.00pm. They said fine, but when I got home I found a card saying they'd called round at 12.30 and nobody was in, so they were cancelling the job. This was incredibly frustrating! I know they're probably busy, but if they couldn't fit me in on that day after the time I said, they should have suggested another day and time when I would be there! They've done things like this a few time and then turn it round on me and accuse me of not bothering to be in even though they've been told that already.

Sheffield homes:roll:
Dont EVEN get me started:rant:

Sheffield homes

The name's a joke in itself.

I cannot understand your problem. These properties are provided by the council for people who cannot afford to buy or rent privately. It is the home owners and private rented folk who subsidise these properties enabling the tennents to pay a reduced rent. Most of the people living in these properties are unemployed i.e receive housing benefit, therefore live rent free !! I don't think you have anything to complain about, as far as I can see Sheffield Homes are a soft touch, working on all the properties to get them upto a better standard, let tennents run up arrears.e.t.c. If you don't like living in council properties, buy a house privatley, but bear in mind if you miss 3 mortgage payments you home could be re-possesed and every time you require a repair it will cost you money.

Realistically you have a pretty easy ride !!!

I cannot understand your problem. These properties are provided by the council for people who cannot afford to buy or rent privately. It is the home owners and private rented folk who subsidise these properties enabling the tennents to pay a reduced rent. Most of the people living in these properties are unemployed i.e receive housing benefit, therefore live rent free !! I don't think you have anything to complain about, as far as I can see Sheffield Homes are a soft touch, working on all the properties to get them upto a better standard, let tennents run up arrears.e.t.c. If you don't like living in council properties, buy a house privatley, but bear in mind if you miss 3 mortgage payments you home could be re-possesed and every time you require a repair it will cost you money.

Realistically you have a pretty easy ride !!!

bull**** and you know it

Sheffield homes:roll:
Dont EVEN get me started:rant:

tell me about it

I cannot understand your problem. These properties are provided by the council for people who cannot afford to buy or rent privately. It is the home owners and private rented folk who subsidise these properties enabling the tennents to pay a reduced rent. Most of the people living in these properties are unemployed i.e receive housing benefit, therefore live rent free !! I don't think you have anything to complain about, as far as I can see Sheffield Homes are a soft touch, working on all the properties to get them upto a better standard, let tennents run up arrears.e.t.c. If you don't like living in council properties, buy a house privatley, but bear in mind if you miss 3 mortgage payments you home could be re-possesed and every time you require a repair it will cost you money.

Realistically you have a pretty easy ride !!!


Thanks for all that. Now since I actally AM a private home-owner and still have to rely on Sheffield Homes to do my external repairs, do you know where I can find the stupid stick to beat you with?

Why do you rely on Sheffield Homes ?

Well done. when i got my house i was homeless so i had to take what thay gave me.it was a mess.on the bedroom doors was posters when i took them off thay was holes in the doors.sheffield homes said i had to sort them as i took the house as it was. so now i try to do the things my self.

Oh my god, thats awfull, holes in the doors, it's uninhabitable, what were they thinking.

to the o/p one question

ever thought about doing the reapirs yourself or DO YOU expect the state/sheffield home to provide EVERYTHING for you.

PS am cooking tea tonight am sure youd like to come as it'll be ALL laid on a plate for you and you'll NOT HAVE TO DO ANYTHING:D:D

for goodness sake HELP YOURSELF for a change !!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for all that. Now since I actally AM a private home-owner and still have to rely on Sheffield Homes to do my external repairs, do you know where I can find the stupid stick to beat you with?

I thought you were dead against violence.

to the o/p one question

ever thought about doing the reapirs yourself or DO YOU expect the state/sheffield home to provide EVERYTHING for you.

PS am cooking tea tonight am sure youd like to come as it'll be ALL laid on a plate for you and you'll NOT HAVE TO DO ANYTHING:D:D

for goodness sake HELP YOURSELF for a change !!!!!!!!!!

Wrong on so many levels.

at the end of the day all council tennants want is a house that is fit to live in

re daddy:

in what way, all am trying to say is that many of 'us' on here have to pay and do their own repairs and dont expect the state to look after 'us'.

we go and do it ourselves, get of our bums etc and do something about our situation to make it better for our families etc. not expect someone else to do it for us

Oh my god, thats awfull, holes in the doors, it's uninhabitable, what were they thinking.

I should not have to do this 13 days befor xmas and with 6 month old babys.
and 3 other children.

I cant beleive some of the nasty heartless comments on this thread. I own my home but my son, his girlfriend and my grandson live in a council flat and they are experiencing the exact same as the OP its disgusting how they are treated. Not everyone gets it rent free so seeing as they are paying rent and council tax i think they are entitled to the repairs done.

I should not have to do this 13 days befor xmas and with 6 month old babys.
and 3 other children.

you shouldnt have to do it at any time of the year with or without babies. Just because you took the property and didnt see the holes doesnt mean they shouldnt be repaired. Its like a hole in the roof and the rain coming in would they say the same then??..... ohh you took the flat now live with it use a bucket :rant:

Its like a hole in the roof and the rain coming in would they say the same then??..... ohh you took the flat now live with it use a bucket :rant:

No because a hole in the roof is serious, a hole in a door isn't. When i got my council flat (on Norfolk Park) I was effectively homeless and I was glad of anything, I wasn't in a possition to pick and choose. I wasn't expecting a 5-star hotel suite, just somewhere dry and secure, which it was. Ok it was a bit grotty and the decoration was not fabulous, and there were no lght bulbs and the windows didn't open properly, but you get that when you buy a private house and move in.

No because a hole in the roof is serious, a hole in a door isn't. When i got my council flat (on Norfolk Park) I was effectively homeless and I was glad of anything, I wasn't in a possition to pick and choose. I wasn't expecting a 5-star hotel suite, just somewhere dry and secure, which it was. Ok it was a bit grotty and the decoration was not fabulous, and there were no lght bulbs and the windows didn't open properly, but you get that when you buy a private house and move in.

so because you were homeless and glad of a roof over your head you should be expected to live some where that has issues that SHOULD be dealt with by the landlord. If it was a private landlord there is a place that you can go and the private landlord would be in serious trouble for not doing repairs ( i know because iv been in that position) so why should the council be any different?

what a snob! i live in a council house, work full time and pay my own way! i think u r confusing council housing with claiming benefits, there is a difference u know. if u can only judge people on which type of house they live in, it shows how shallow u are!

so because you were homeless and glad of a roof over your head you should be expected to live some where that has issues that SHOULD be dealt with by the landlord.

They should have been fixed by the landlord, but a hole in a door is not the massive catastrophie and risk to life and limb the OP was implying it is, it's not like having no water or electricity.

People will be expecting the council to do the decorating and house work for them next.

Maybe put the poster back up ?? jobs a good un ?? holes gone.... :thumbsup:

Maybe put the poster back up ?? jobs a good un ?? holes gone.... :thumbsup:

the holes are to hide your drugs and guns :thumbsup:

I don't think that's really fair. Just because you rent doesn't mean your home shouldn't be fit to live in. Even privately rented places are meant to have repairs carried out at the landlord's expense. You pay the rent on the understanding that you get a house in a reasonable condition in return.

When I saw this thread, this morning, I thought it wouldn't be too long before someone came on bashing council tenants with the usual clap trap about them not paying rent etc. etc. I was hoping I'd be wrong, but no, *sigh*

I cannot understand your problem. These properties are provided by the council for people who cannot afford to buy or rent privately. It is the home owners and private rented folk who subsidise these properties enabling the tennents to pay a reduced rent. Most of the people living in these properties are unemployed i.e receive housing benefit, therefore live rent free !! I don't think you have anything to complain about, as far as I can see Sheffield Homes are a soft touch, working on all the properties to get them upto a better standard, let tennents run up arrears.e.t.c. If you don't like living in council properties, buy a house privatley, but bear in mind if you miss 3 mortgage payments you home could be re-possesed and every time you require a repair it will cost you money.

Realistically you have a pretty easy ride !!!

Do we have a troll at work here or just **** stirrer?:thumbsup::loopy:

Oh thats right ?? Start the we got a troll stuff !!!! pathetic... we all have a right to post in our own way on here unless you are referring to a poster in a personal insulting way or anything derogotary to their character.. I think starsparkle summed it all up with the post Sheffield Forum getting mardy !!! or similar.. i will be corrected no doubt.. can we debate things on here without the trolling accusers bleating everytime someone uses a little cynicism or sarcasm in a post.. surely there are posters on here, me included, that can post intellegent threads and worthwhile responces that are guilty of lobbing a bit of a swerve in the threads, usually to make things light hearted again :thumbsup: want us all called trolls ?? Now thats got me thinking about billy goats now... Cheers :thumbsup:

I'm sure I'll be called a troll, but I think an earlier poster hit the nail on the head with 'fit to live in' .. having a kitchen door that is slightly wonky or a few holes in a door is just cosmetic as far as I am concerned, the home is structurely sound therefore it is a very minor issue. If it was something serious I'm sure you could take them to court or have environmental health check the place over and even enforce it to be closed-up and you be homed elsewhere, however it appears that most complaints are just for cosmetics.

I feel it boils down to (a) people getting houses for free but people still wanting more and (b) if you do part-pay for living their with rent and/or council tax, if you are that upset by the 'shocking living conditions', then why not move and take you money elsewhere?

To clarify (a), from reading posts (not just on this thread) it appears that those that get things for free and handed to them on a plate (including housing) always seem to want more... just like those on benefits who always need and usually have the latest mobile phone / plasma tv / sky subscription / pack of fags or boozy night out, when there are plenty of hard working tax payers who can't afford such luxuries after they've paid their own mortgage and bills ... something these leeches never have to do.

And for (b) like I said, if you're so hard working and are not a drain on society, but don't have the "home of your dreams", quite simply, move, or pay for the work to be done (or do it yourself). If I was paying rent on a home that was not up to my standards and the landlord would not sort an issue out, I would just move, so I can't get my head around why people living in what they are regarding as hovels just stay there and moan? You are being given a home (or are paying low rent to live there) and should be glad of the fact, rather than complain about a dripping tap. I'm sure there are loads of people out there that would gladly swap places with you in order to have a roof over their head.

I'm sure I'll be called a troll, but I think an earlier poster hit the nail on the head with 'fit to live in' .. having a kitchen door that is slightly wonky or a few holes in a door is just cosmetic as far as I am concerned, the home is structurely sound therefore it is a very minor issue. If it was something serious I'm sure you could take them to court or have environmental health check the place over and even enforce it to be closed-up and you be homed elsewhere, however it appears that most complaints are just for cosmetics.

I feel it boils down to (a) people getting houses for free but people still wanting more and (b) if you do part-pay for living their with rent and/or council tax, if you are that upset by the 'shocking living conditions', then why not move and take you money elsewhere?

To clarify (a), from reading posts (not just on this thread) it appears that those that get things for free and handed to them on a plate (including housing) always seem to want more... just like those on benefits who always need and usually have the latest mobile phone / plasma tv / sky subscription / pack of fags or boozy night out, when there are plenty of hard working tax payers who can't afford such luxuries after they've paid their own mortgage and bills ... something these leeches never have to do.

And for (b) like I said, if you're so hard working and are not a drain on society, but don't have the "home of your dreams", quite simply, move, or pay for the work to be done (or do it yourself). If I was paying rent on a home that was not up to my standards and the landlord would not sort an issue out, I would just move, so I can't get my head around why people living in what they are regarding as hovels just stay there and moan? You are being given a home (or are paying low rent to live there) and should be glad of the fact, rather than complain about a dripping tap. I'm sure there are loads of people out there that would gladly swap places with you in order to have a roof over their head.


It may well be that social housing is not the temporary stop gap some people seem to regard it as. It is a valid choice of housing and as such, should be at a standard that anyone would accept regardless of tenure. I think that in recent years people, in this country, have come to expect home ownership as the ideal. It is possible that as the economy changes, many young professional people will increasingly choose to rent. Why shouldn't they choose a social landlord and pay for a decent home and service.

They should have been fixed by the landlord, but a hole in a door is not the massive catastrophie and risk to life and limb the OP was implying it is, it's not like having no water or electricity.

People will be expecting the council to do the decorating and house work for them next.

the OP didnt say anything about holes in doors that was a later poster. the poster with the door holes said the council had told them to see to the holes them selves.... why should they? I have known people to move out of properties then be charged for holes in doors by the housing people. it might not be a risk to life and limb but it is not the point.

and as for having no gas or electric.... my sons girlfriend had none for almost a week and she had a few month old baby at the time i rang the council and npower for her and we got no joy because apparently the last tennants owed money. surely the council should make sure the gas and electrics are on before offering a property to a young mother how on earth was she supposed to make bottles see to baby in the night etc... and it was freezing they all had to stay with me till it got sorted

Oh thats right ?? Start the we got a troll stuff !!!! pathetic... we all have a right to post in our own way on here unless you are referring to a poster in a personal insulting way or anything derogotary to their character.. I think starsparkle summed it all up with the post Sheffield Forum getting mardy !!! or similar.. i will be corrected no doubt.. can we debate things on here without the trolling accusers bleating everytime someone uses a little cynicism or sarcasm in a post.. surely there are posters on here, me included, that can post intellegent threads and worthwhile responces that are guilty of lobbing a bit of a swerve in the threads, usually to make things light hearted again :thumbsup: want us all called trolls ?? Now thats got me thinking about billy goats now... Cheers :thumbsup:

some of the comments made by henri were abit nasty they have been deleted now, i have a sense of humour but makin people feel crappy for living in council houses is abit ruff

get back under ya bridge mister :P :P

:hihi: These threads always go the same way, people just cannot stop themselves from having a go can they?

The thing that people who believe that tenants of social housing should have to live in squalor and 2nd rate accommodation need to face is that the tenants have a tenancy agreement, in which the landlord agrees to make repairs, and the tenant agrees to pay the rent and keep to other rules, it works both ways .

Like it or not that is how it is, why should the tenant not ask for what they are entitled?
It's all sour grapes!

We have 3 children and live in a 2 bedroom maisonette with no central heating, the only form of heat in our house is the cooker, and gas fire in the living room.

During winter we ALL have to live in our living room, as the rest of the house is freezing.
Last year the gas bills crippled our christmas plans, our baby will be around 5 months old when the cold starts to set in again.

When we moved in, there was junk from the previous owners in the cupboards which we had to clean up, and the outside outhouse was and still is full of the previous owners junk, we refuse to move it as it is a health hazard, mould on the walls, damp etc everywhere, we did ask the council to come and sort it, but all they did was replace the hinge on the door as it had rusted shut, and had not been opened for years.

We have 3 children and live in a 2 bedroom maisonette with no central heating, the only form of heat in our house is the cooker, and gas fire in the living room.

During winter we ALL have to live in our living room, as the rest of the house is freezing.
Last year the gas bills crippled our christmas plans, our baby will be around 5 months old when the cold starts to set in again.

When we moved in, there was junk from the previous owners in the cupboards which we had to clean up, and the outside outhouse was and still is full of the previous owners junk, we refuse to move it as it is a health hazard, mould on the walls, damp etc everywhere, we did ask the council to come and sort it, but all they did was replace the hinge on the door as it had rusted shut, and had not been opened for years.

Yet you can afford a computer and internet connection, why not spend that money on some heaters ?

Sorry, but my flat was horrible when I moved into it, I spent money (not that I had a lot) on it and it became habitable, I didn't just sit in the middle of the floor moaning about how horrible it was.

Hire a skip, or get the council to send you one and clear the crap out, why keep living with it and suffering it ?

It's not against the law to do things yourself when you live ina council house, it's not sheltered accomodation.

and she had a few month old baby at the time

Seems to be a recurring theme.

Seems to be a recurring theme.

because then the electric bill would skyrocket as well as the gas bill.
Where as I use the computer, 1 alarm clock, fridge and freezer and light instead of things like, stereos, t.v's etc, no sky box, consoles etc.

We did buy some electric heaters, tested it, and almost doubled our electric bill, as well as the gas bill.
Cannot afford it i'm afraid, else erm we would.

I could write a book on things that have gone wrong with sheffield homes and its contractors, and thats just at this house.

because then the electric bill would skyrocket as well as the gas bill.
Where as I use the computer instead of things like, stereos, t.v's etc.

But are stereos, computers, TV's and hi-fis more important than heat ?

No m8, that is why we would like central heating.

What has happened to the decent homes programme that sheffield homes are always bragging about?
We keep seeing female tennants in the media, with bunches of flowers which decent homes contractors have given them to have their photos taken or is this a myth.

What I think you are saying, is that electric heaters and the running of them, are more important than my childs education.

We rarely get to go out, EVER, we rarely watch t.v, the p.c's are our form of recreation.
Would be abit boring sat in the living room, with nothing to do.
And why should we when most places have central heating.

Seems to be a recurring theme.

sorry i dont understand what your tryin to say there

What I think you are saying, is that electric heaters and the running of them, are more important than my childs education.

Not sure how you worked that out.

sorry i dont understand what your tryin to say there

He means that he thinks the amount of running a p.c. and internet connection amounts to the same as running enough electric heaters to keep the rest of the flat warm.

When he is clearly wrong, the internet costs £15 a month and the running of 2 p.c's and household appliances costs around £20 per week.

With electric heaters the £20 electric bill doubles to £40+ per week, which we cannot afford.

Not to mention that there are people paying next to no rent and absolutely nil in tax that get heated for less money than we currently pay.
We pay full rates and get no-where near the same luxuries, that you probably have.

Not to mention that there are people paying next to no rent and absolutely nil in tax that get heated for less money than we currently pay.
We pay full rates and get no-where near the same luxuries, that you probably have.

Move then, why are you staying in a house you obviously hate ?

Not sure how you worked that out.

My daughter uses her p.c for her homework, and to educate herself.
The other computer is used by me and my wife, for recreation.

moan moan moan thats all council tenants do i would love to see them in a private house who would you moan at then.my house is older than any council house in sheffield and i get no probs,i do it all myself its not that hard you know

Easier said than done, are you aware how long it takes to get another council property, it took us 2 years to get this one.

Easier said than done, are you aware how long it takes to get another council property, it took us 2 years to get this one.

Yes I am aware, I was a council tennant for 15 years.

moan moan moan thats all council tenants do i would love to see them in a private house who would you moan at then.my house is older than any council house in sheffield and i get no probs,i do it all myself its not that hard you know

I'd agree with you there m8, I think if I owned my own house I would have no problems doing it up too.
But in a council property it is the council that has responsibility for their stock.

I'd agree with you there m8, I think if I owned my own house I would have no problems doing it up too.
But in a council property it is the council that has responsibility for their stock.

make your life easier and do it yourself sheffield homes are poo poo

make your life easier and do it yourself sheffield homes are poo poo

Trouble is that there are some jobs that you just are not allowed to do yourself, and as for the other jobs, if the council have not done it and it all goes wrong then they will send in their own contractors to put it right and you will be footing the bill, which by the way is a massive amount, and more than you would have to pay someone privately as you don't get to choose who does the work.

It really does not pay you to do any work on a council house without their written permission and even then they have to approve the contractor you cannot do it yourself.

Things are not always as simple as they seem.

to reply to the people that think that people that live in council properties are unemployed are off your heads u just miffed cause we get the repairs done without paying and you get screwed for the amount u have to pay, because i live in a council property does that mean that my children have to live in a house with a list of repairs as longas my arm?? i dont think so. there is a reason why they cant leave the houses to rot its called health and safety to start with, so if i was you i would worry whether there is enough money in the bank to cover your mortgage, and i started the topic as sheffield homes tenant not private tenants.

right bunch of bodgers...cowboys thats good for them

sorry i dont understand what your tryin to say there

Keep your legs shut?

i am just annoyed that you have to fight tooth and nail to get a repair done, and the state of the properties they seem to think is good enough to let, the topic was about tenants not a topic to have a go at people that are on benefits does it matter what situation you are in people shouldnt have to live like this. i will take sheffield homes as far as i can, my next step is to give sheffield homes my pics of the disrepair to my house and brandish their name, then see how quick they are prepared to do a repair

keep your mouth shut nutter

all council tennants like has been said don't always claim off of the state. if you look into how the council operate then you'd change your views in relation to repairs. If i choose to do repairs on my house myself then have to move for any number of reasons, ie anti-social neighbours which is why i've moved into this house. the council can make me at my own cost again remove all the improvement i may have done and put back to a standard council house. So getting off my bum and doing things to make a better house for my family doesn't always work. it seems alot of home owners don't live in the real world and see what folk who can't afford to get onto the property ladder have to put up with. why should i put up with having my kids having to live in this when i pay my way? because i can't afford private accommodation or a house of my own do i have to switch off from caring about my children and risk ecoli and other killer germs attacking my kids.

hi i am just wondering if there is any tenants who are experiencing are experienced problems with sheffield homes and kier, i have encounted many problems since moving in to the property 6 weeks ago. i have got alot damp in the kitchen the kitchen units have got damp in them and the sink unit is that rottern inside its falling to bits, also the toilet and porch ceiling are damp and bowing, my livingroom windows do not lock properly, along with many other little repairs. an inspector from sheffield homes came out and said they would do the repairs and nothing happened i had a secound inspector out wh refused to repair the sink unit, as you can imagine i was not happy and after a few stern words he said he would have to get back to his supervisor and i never heard anything else from sheffield homes. after alot of phone calls i called sheffield aid they told me i could make a complaint over the form which would be foemally logged and i could make an appointment to see a solicitor which i did do, sheffield homes have now recieved that with a list to all the direpair to the property and guess what i ahd a main inspector at the house this week and agreed to do all the repairs after i told him what the problem was as he didnt kinow what issues i had got, you would think they would have an idea. i am mortified what sheffield homes can legally get away with regarding a repair as long as it fixes the repair to a minimual standard they can do that, my inpression of kier is aslong as they have fixed the repair they dont care what it looks like, i am just wondering if sheffield tenants started to say no thats not satisfactory and started to complain more would things change??? gauranteed the inspectors and the managers in charge would not put up with the crap we do as they live in their own property, i dont think we should penilised because we cannot finacially afford the same.The main thing that narks me about being a tenant is... 1) repairs = 'Cheap And Cheerful' :rant: 2) tenants/neigbours = No vetting checks, you can end up with jo-blogs next door?? :rant: 3) Gardens... no Boundary Fencing?? :rant: 4) takes way too long to get anything done towards bad tenants.. 5) your made to feel like a second class Citizen by those who think they are private upper class...:loopy::rant:

what a snob! i live in a council house, work full time and pay my own way! i think u r confusing council housing with claiming benefits, there is a difference u know. if u can only judge people on which type of house they live in, it shows how shallow u are!


Well said:thumbsup:

It may well be that social housing is not the temporary stop gap some people seem to regard it as. It is a valid choice of housing and as such, should be at a standard that anyone would accept regardless of tenure. I think that in recent years people, in this country, have come to expect home ownership as the ideal. It is possible that as the economy changes, many young professional people will increasingly choose to rent. Why shouldn't they choose a social landlord and pay for a decent home and service.

well in that case social housing should be at market rates and not subsidised by those of us who rent privately or have a mortgage.

well in that case social housing should be at market rates and not subsidised by those of us who rent privately or have a mortgage.

Social housing isn't subsidised by people who rent privately or own their own homes.

I think it would wouldn't be a bad idea to have rent control on private rents as well as social housing. It might go some way to removing the resentment people have towards those who have been lucky enough to get social housing by the people who haven't.

In my opinion nobody should be priced out of the market when it comes to being able to afford a home that is appropriate for their needs.

Social housing isn't subsidised by people who rent privately or own their own homes.

I think it would wouldn't be a bad idea to have rent control on private rents as well as social housing. It might go some way to removing the resentment people have towards those who have been lucky enough to get social housing by the people who haven't.

In my opinion nobody should be priced out of the market when it comes to being able to afford a home that is appropriate for their needs.


I agree, it would be a good idea, however, a great deal of social housing is moving towards market rents, indeed they must do by law so eventually the rent wil be the same as in the private sector. The major subsidy available to people is housing benefit but for those who work the rents are very high and it is wrong for people on here to say that they are not paying their way.The main advantage of social housing, particularly council is security of tenure and not having to find large deposits and bonds.

I dont have a problem with Sheffield Homes but i do have a massive problemwith Kier and there lack of good workman ship!

I know that if the council made sure Keir did a good job first time instead of allowing them to cut corners there would be no need for repeted call outs and patch up jobs.

A good job well done first time would not need anybody to tend to it again for a very long time this would cut costs.

I agree, it would be a good idea, however, a great deal of social housing is moving towards market rents, indeed they must do by law so eventually the rent wil be the same as in the private sector. The major subsidy available to people is housing benefit but for those who work the rents are very high and it is wrong for people on here to say that they are not paying their way.The main advantage of social housing, particularly council is security of tenure and not having to find large deposits and bonds.

It is a shame, I think, that market rents are so difficult to meet for a lot of people.

I just get fed up with people thinking that council/social housing is synonymous with being on benefits and the minute anybody mentions a council house even in passing, there is a barrage of criticism towards people who have such houses.

The whole system to me is totally flawed. In the case of people who do work and pay for their property, they should be able to get something affordable and in reasonable condition to meet their needs. The fact that some people are working and receiving, in my opinion, an appallingly low wage is totally wrong.

I get that some people have to pay enormous rents for a similar sized private property that would be much more affordable if it were HA or council, and I can understand why they would resent that (I know I would) but I think that resentment is directed at the wrong people.

I feel, reading the posts, there are justyfied complaints fromboth sides. Having worked as a Housing Officer for 12 years I thought my opinion may be of some interest.

I note that some have said that council tenants don't deserve any sympathy because they're all on benefit. I don't have the figures to hand but will comment that not all are, but the majority no doubt are!

Currently I deal with rent arrears, not for Sheffield Homes or in Sheffield. There are thousands of tenants in arrears. Some who only have a small charge to pay because they receive housing benefit. Some owe thousands, some have owed hundreds for years. They just won't pay. It's become increasingly difficult to get possession of these properties due to daft proceedures introduced by the Housing Corporaion. All this means there is less money in the pot for repairs, improvements etc.

It's also noticable that the tenants who have high rent arrears are usually the ones who cause anti social behaviour and damage to property. We need to get rid of these problem tenancies, but its not that easy.

All I would say is that if you're not happy with the service you receive is to complain. You will get a response, if stillnot happy complain again and on and on. Housing organisations have a tiered way of dealing with complaints. Which ends with it going before the board. Social landlords are monitored on the number of complaints they resolve to the satisfaction of the complainants, so they tend to run around like headless chickens when the complaints reach a certain stage.

Keep complaining and if you're half right you'll get you're own way. You may even want to demand compensation, and in many cases you may get it!

We have 3 children and live in a 2 bedroom maisonette with no central heating, the only form of heat in our house is the cooker, and gas fire in the living room.

During winter we ALL have to live in our living room, as the rest of the house is freezing.
Last year the gas bills crippled our christmas plans, our baby will be around 5 months old when the cold starts to set in again.

When we moved in, there was junk from the previous owners in the cupboards which we had to clean up, and the outside outhouse was and still is full of the previous owners junk, we refuse to move it as it is a health hazard, mould on the walls, damp etc everywhere, we did ask the council to come and sort it, but all they did was replace the hinge on the door as it had rusted shut, and had not been opened for years.

Sorry to say this ,but would it not be a good idea to stop producing kids if you have no room for them. If you want to have more kids, wait until you have enough room before expecting everyone else to upgrade you!!!

re.. bernthefirs who is on about children mu o/p was about sheffield homes and kier me and my husband both work pay our way and we have 2 children, we have plenty of room. i certainly do not expect to be upgraded i EXPECT and a livable property, so why dont you reply with something that had to do with the topic

Sorry to say this ,but would it not be a good idea to stop producing kids if you have no room for them. If you want to have more kids, wait until you have enough room before expecting everyone else to upgrade you!!!

What on earth does me having children have to do with the fact that winter gets extremely cold.
If I was single I'd still have the same problem.
Sorry but no, no, no, you aint using my kids as an excuse to have a pop, prick.

well said if you ask me he has too much time on his hands might aswell call victor meldrew lol

Err..
'We have 3 children and live in a 2 bedroom maisonette'
Digsy doesn't have enough room for 3 kids. I had quoted that post.

I don't have any gripes about the amount of space that we have to occupy, my gripe is with winter and no central heating.
Leave my kids out of it, ok.
It gives an Idea of our situation.

so wot is your view apart from kids if you dont have one leave the discussion

For the record, other than no central heating, and not being able to use the outhouse, I have no problems with where I live, I like the area, I like the property (other than in winter).
I shouldn't have to move house just to get warm for a few months in the year, when the council has fitted kitchens and central heating into just about every property but ours.

I have 3 girls, they can all share 1 room, there are people with larger families more cramped than us.

digsby... totally understand your situation we are in the same situation. but obviously some people dont know what they are on about and are born with a silver spoon and a red neck view

Wouldn't really matter if I had a 10 bedroomed mansion, if it had just one gas fire in the living room, we'd have the same problem we do now.
I.E we'll be in the living room for a few months.

henri... you dont understand because you dont have to, people that live in council properties are just the same as you. you are no better than anybody els,, and not everybody is on benefit, why dont you bring yourself and kids and live in a council property for 6 months and see what you think, everybody is entitled to the same healthy and safety rules

Only just got Central Heating myself. I've got in now, it's lovely and warm BUT I raised a family for several years without it. Most people now regard C/H as a given but it is still a luxury and something that isn't yet in all council properties. The council will usually give permission if you want to instal it yourself.

Using their approved contractors, which cost double than getting your own, I have looked into it, not that we could afford to fit it ourselves, and I KNOW the council are happy for you to go into debt to install it and save them the hassle.

why pay for central heating yourself when you can get it free its what you are entitled too, its the homeowners who get the face on because they have to buy themselves and cannot afford the combi boiler with the central heating

Using their approved contractors, which cost double than getting your own, I have looked into it, not that we could afford to fit it ourselves, and I KNOW the council are happy for you to go into debt to install it and save them the hassle.

You can use anyone as long as they are CORGI registered.
It depends how much you want to keep your family warm though, I suppose. The Council compensate you if you leave within 10 years of having it installed as well. I know this because I looked into it before I was told my maisonette would be modernised.

why pay for central heating yourself when you can get it free its what you are entitled too, its the homeowners who get the face on because they have to buy themselves and cannot afford the combi boiler with the central heating

If you were 'entitled' to it, every council home would have it, wouldn't they.
Tell me. Do the Council do everything for you or are there some things you take responsibility for?
BTW I am a Council tenant.
(Must go and turn the thermostat down, it's getting rather warm in here!!!!)

Well when I phoned them, they said quote "if you want to install central heating yourself, you will need to contact this number".

Phoned the number to be given a price of £6000 for it, this was a few months ago.

Otherwise I have to wait for 2009 when these properties are scheduled for renovation (new kitchen, c/h).

(Must go and turn the thermostat down, it's getting rather warm in here!!!!)

Your arrogance only pays in your eyes, in mine it just adds to your shallowness.
Did you pay for yours?

Pot, kettle, black.

Your arrogance only pays in your eyes, in mine it just adds to your shallowness.
Did you pay for yours?

Pot, kettle, black.

No. Fortunatley, the Council did it last year, together with windows, kitchen and bathroom. A damn good job they did too. 4 weeks of hell but the rewards are well worth it.

my last proerty i was in was modernised and believe you me you must accept crap workmanship but its not that good of a job so i would love to see your interior lol. so turn your heating up and blow a gasket

my last proerty i was in was modernised and believe you me you must accept crap workmanship but its not that good of a job so i would love to see your interior lol. so turn your heating up and blow a gasket

Well, mine was done very well. I have my home like a palace anyway and Connaught just added to the quality. I think I was lucky though because some of my neighbours did have trouble. Treat the workers with respect, and that respect is usually paid back. Treat them with disdain and you'll get poor quality. Not right, I know, but that's life.

I feel, reading the posts, there are justyfied complaints fromboth sides. Having worked as a Housing Officer for 12 years I thought my opinion may be of some interest.

I note that some have said that council tenants don't deserve any sympathy because they're all on benefit. I don't have the figures to hand but will comment that not all are, but the majority no doubt are!

Currently I deal with rent arrears, not for Sheffield Homes or in Sheffield. There are thousands of tenants in arrears. Some who only have a small charge to pay because they receive housing benefit. Some owe thousands, some have owed hundreds for years. They just won't pay. It's become increasingly difficult to get possession of these properties due to daft proceedures introduced by the Housing Corporaion. All this means there is less money in the pot for repairs, improvements etc.

It's also noticable that the tenants who have high rent arrears are usually the ones who cause anti social behaviour and damage to property. We need to get rid of these problem tenancies, but its not that easy.

All I would say is that if you're not happy with the service you receive is to complain. You will get a response, if stillnot happy complain again and on and on. Housing organisations have a tiered way of dealing with complaints. Which ends with it going before the board. Social landlords are monitored on the number of complaints they resolve to the satisfaction of the complainants, so they tend to run around like headless chickens when the complaints reach a certain stage.

Keep complaining and if you're half right you'll get you're own way. You may even want to demand compensation, and in many cases you may get it!

And what has this got to do with landlords responsibility to repair? For someone whose profession is housing you're demonstrating a singular lack of knowledge and appreciation of the matter in hand. Your suggestion that the Housing Corporation is responsible for increasing difficulties in funding repairs and obtaining possession of properties is laughable. The Housing Corporation or more recently the Audit Commission, aren't responsible for statute though they are concerned with your employers performance.

Back to the OP. Your tenancy agreement; the contract between the tenant and landlord, defines repairing obligations. In general where the landlord is an RSL (registered social landlord) the landlord is responsible for all repairs to the fabric of the property where this is due to fair wear and tear but rarely in cases where the property is let unfurnished would this include internal decoration. A landlord can recover costs of repair where this is due to tenant misuse. A tenant however isn't free from repairing obligations which can be a misconception, in essence they could be reasonably expected to undertake some minor repairs as a "tenant like user" such as replacing a tap washer. RSL landlords will also prioritise repairs, so whilst a property might have a number of repairs you can expect a leaking roof to be dealt with more urgently than a kitchen unit door hanging off. BTW it would be unreasonable to expect a new tenant to have to repair internal doors that have been damaged by the previous tenant.

A tenant isn't completely powerless where a landlord fails to repair. There are a number of options available, apart from just complaining which Frank Sidney suggests here, for example recovering the cost of repair from your landlord. The remedies are there if you do your research and follow procedure. One thing a tenant should never do is withold rent in lieu of repair.

And what has this got to do with landlords responsibility to repair? For someone whose profession is housing you're demonstrating a singular lack of knowledge and appreciation of the matter in hand. Your suggestion that the Housing Corporation is responsible for increasing difficulties in funding repairs and obtaining possession of properties is laughable. The Housing Corporation or more recently the Audit Commission, aren't responsible for statute though they are concerned with your employers performance.
Back to the OP. Your tenancy agreement; the contract between the tenant and landlord, defines repairing obligations. In general where the landlord is an RSL (registered social landlord) the landlord is responsible for all repairs to the fabric of the property where this is due to fair wear and tear but rarely in cases where the property is let unfurnished would this include internal decoration. A landlord can recover costs of repair where this is due to tenant misuse. A tenant however isn't free from repairing obligations which can be a misconception, in essence they could be reasonably expected to undertake some minor repairs as a "tenant like user" such as replacing a tap washer. RSL landlords will also prioritise repairs, so whilst a property might have a number of repairs you can expect a leaking roof to be dealt with more urgently than a kitchen unit door hanging off. BTW it would be unreasonable to expect a new tenant to have to repair internal doors that have been damaged by the previous tenant.

A tenant isn't completely powerless where a landlord fails to repair. There are a number of options available, apart from just complaining which Frank Sidney suggests here, for example recovering the cost of repair from your landlord. The remedies are there if you do your research and follow procedure. One thing a tenant should never do is withold rent in lieu of repair.

There's a thing called the pre court protocol which hinders early court intervention. The problem is that there's a solid block of unreasonable tenants who refuse to pay, cause asb and damage properties. These tenant, or customers, as we have to call them! hinder other good tenants and cost housing organisations millions.

The Housing Corporation, Audit Pillocks and Government are the reason social housing is in such a mess. They do not live in the real world.

I cannot understand your problem. These properties are provided by the council for people who cannot afford to buy or rent privately. It is the home owners and private rented folk who subsidise these properties enabling the tennents to pay a reduced rent. Most of the people living in these properties are unemployed i.e receive housing benefit, therefore live rent free !! I don't think you have anything to complain about, as far as I can see Sheffield Homes are a soft touch, working on all the properties to get them upto a better standard, let tennents run up arrears.e.t.c. If you don't like living in council properties, buy a house privatley, but bear in mind if you miss 3 mortgage payments you home could be re-possesed and every time you require a repair it will cost you money.

Realistically you have a pretty easy ride !!!
thats a rather pessimistic and jaded view you have, in defence of council tenants, i live in a council property(now a its a housing association) because i want to, i could have had i have wished to bought my own house, i have in the past rented privately, thats not always as good as you may believe it to be, i am not on unemployment or housing benefit, i left school at 15 and luckily have never been out of work, i am a number of weeks in credit with my rent payments, contrary to your statement of home owners subsidising me it would seem the Government may be about to use my tax's to bail out private home owners who over reached their finances by buying homes they can't afford to pay for now, but, there but for the grace of god go i, so before you condemn council tenants remember its only a small fall from grace, or 3 missed mortgage payments that would see you living in a council property.

Social housing isn't subsidised by people who rent privately or own their own homes.



the properties are owned by local authorities or are built on land given to other RSLs by Local authorities ... properties built with money raised from locla nad national taxation on land brought with money raised by locla and national taxation

rents for the feckless are assured by housing benefit again funded by the tax payer


I think it would wouldn't be a bad idea to have rent control on private rents as well as social housing. It might go some way to removing the resentment people have towards those who have been lucky enough to get social housing by the people who haven't.#


rent control across the market woiuld force council /RSL rents up towards the market price as the market price is a fair representation of the costs of running the properties in question


In my opinion nobody should be priced out of the market when it comes to being able to afford a home that is appropriate for their needs.

people have to learn to live within their means , plus of course there is the existance of such things as working familieis tax credits which support those in work with children to meet their needs ... but again it requires the parents not to expect to be kept by the state and actually get off their backsides and do some work ...

I remember once while working in Burngreave a bloke came into reception complaining that there was broken glass on his front and he feared his children would be cut. You can imagine what I thought, but obviously didn't say!

And what has this got to do with landlords responsibility to repair? For someone whose profession is housing you're demonstrating a singular lack of knowledge and appreciation of the matter in hand. Your suggestion that the Housing Corporation is responsible for increasing difficulties in funding repairs and obtaining possession of properties is laughable. The Housing Corporation or more recently the Audit Commission, aren't responsible for statute though they are concerned with your employers performance.

Back to the OP. Your tenancy agreement; the contract between the tenant and landlord, defines repairing obligations. In general where the landlord is an RSL (registered social landlord) the landlord is responsible for all repairs to the fabric of the property where this is due to fair wear and tear but rarely in cases where the property is let unfurnished would this include internal decoration. A landlord can recover costs of repair where this is due to tenant misuse. A tenant however isn't free from repairing obligations which can be a misconception, in essence they could be reasonably expected to undertake some minor repairs as a "tenant like user" such as replacing a tap washer. RSL landlords will also prioritise repairs, so whilst a property might have a number of repairs you can expect a leaking roof to be dealt with more urgently than a kitchen unit door hanging off. BTW it would be unreasonable to expect a new tenant to have to repair internal doors that have been damaged by the previous tenant.

A tenant isn't completely powerless where a landlord fails to repair. There are a number of options available, apart from just complaining which Frank Sidney suggests here, for example recovering the cost of repair from your landlord. The remedies are there if you do your research and follow procedure. One thing a tenant should never do is withold rent in lieu of repair.

As I said keep complaining, it ruffles feathers at the top:hihi::hihi::hihi:

There's a thing called the pre court protocol which hinders early court intervention. The problem is that there's a solid block of unreasonable tenants who refuse to pay, cause asb and damage properties. These tenant, or customers, as we have to call them! hinder other good tenants and cost housing organisations millions.

The Housing Corporation, Audit Pillocks and Government are the reason social housing is in such a mess. They do not live in the real world.

I think you'll find the Housing Corporation and Audit Commission have nothing to do with determining procedure for repossession. :rolleyes:

I remember once while working in Burngreave a bloke came into reception complaining that there was broken glass on his front and he feared his children would be cut. You can imagine what I thought, but obviously didn't say!


No I can't imagine what you thought? Care to enlighten us?

I'll loan you some of my imagination, it would have gone something along the lines of:-

You lazy **** you did not cover half the damn globe to tell me you have glass in your front garden, go pick it up you pleb.

I'll loan you some of my imagination, it would have gone something along the lines of:-

You lazy **** you did not cover half the damn globe to tell me you have glass in your front garden, go pick it up you pleb.

Let's hear what Frank has to say ehh? I'm really looking forward to getting an insight into the quality of housing management currently on offer.

Now the crap in my outhouse on the other hand has been in there for that long, whoever enters is going to be leaving with the last remnants of the bubonic plague.

Even the mushrooms on the walls have banners stating "squatters rights, and close the bleeding door, its too bright".

The spiders have built a metropolis, and the rest of its own unique ecosystem comprises of spores thought to be long extinct, the fish in the puddle of rain water that has collected in an old water tank are growing legs, and it stinks.

In fact it is not an outhouse at all but a doorway to darwins dream, want the missing link, check my outhouse.

I'd ring the council up, but its been 2 years since I last complained about it, they might have forgotten it exists.

What has happened to the decent homes programme that sheffield homes are always bragging about?
We keep seeing female tennants in the media, with bunches of flowers which decent homes contractors have given them to have their photos taken or is this a myth.


The people who live in the decent houses have been allowed to buy them.

hazel

The OP asked if other people have problems getting repairs done. As an ex housing worker I would acknowledge that a repairs system that caters to over 42000 tenants won't be satisfactory to everyone. They won't always turn up when they should, neither will tenants always get the repairs done that they feel are necessary. One common complaint is damp. So many times its not damp, but condensation that is the problem. Of course that needs the house to be kept warm and the windows open (expensive) and often all window ledges need wiping down regularly (effort). However, the large majority of tenants are either satisfied with the service they get, or content to do minor repairs and maintenance themselves. Social housing organisations have to do regular customer surveys - (currently 3500 random tenants have been sent survey forms) and why would tenants lie?

At least sink and bath plug replacements are no longer considered repairs :o(and they were, along with toilet seats, until quite recently!)

To the OP - you should have been given a booklet when you signed up for your tenancy, it identifies what will and won't be repaired. http://www.sheffieldhomes.org.uk/publications/information-leaflets/tenancy-conditions/you--your-home

The OP asked if other people have problems getting repairs done. As an ex housing worker I would acknowledge that a repairs system that caters to over 42000 tenants won't be satisfactory to everyone. They won't always turn up when they should, neither will tenants always get the repairs done that they feel are necessary. One common complaint is damp. So many times its not damp, but condensation that is the problem. Of course that needs the house to be kept warm and the windows open (expensive) and often all window ledges need wiping down regularly (effort). However, the large majority of tenants are either satisfied with the service they get, or content to do minor repairs and maintenance themselves. Social housing organisations have to do regular customer surveys - (currently 3500 random tenants have been sent survey forms) and why would tenants lie?

At least sink and bath plug replacements are no longer considered repairs :o(and they were, along with toilet seats, until quite recently!)

To the OP - you should have been given a booklet when you signed up for your tenancy, it identifies what will and won't be repaired. http://www.sheffieldhomes.org.uk/publications/information-leaflets/tenancy-conditions/you--your-home

really? my toilet seat used to fly across the bathroom every time someone sat on it :hihi: I just bought a new one for a fiver from wilkos lol :thumbsup:

i currently live in private rented but will be moving to a council house in the near future
( im one of those sponging scum due to the nhs royally screwing up and leaving my wee girl disabled so wont apologise for being on housing benifit which i might add i still top up over £140 per month on a £400 a month rent )
my house had mould and damp, i got a ladder scrubbed off the mould and painted the anti mould stuff ( wee one has lung damage so had to stay with rellys ) ive put in dehumidifiers to dry it out, i painted everything as walls had been re plastered and left. i know landlord responsible for most of this but i would have been in for a long wait
the electric wires exposed is another story. i wasnt doing this because of the potential risk and since after a month of promising and nothing happening a health professional ( have my suspisions who it was ) informed housing aid and they sent someone out who insisted on a lot more repairs then i felt was necissary.

so i really hope sheffield homes and keir are able to do any essential repairs as swiftly as poss if and when i move ( obviously i will do as many as i can but am single mum doing full time care for my wee one )

i currently live in private rented but will be moving to a council house in the near future
( im one of those sponging scum due to the nhs royally screwing up and leaving my wee girl disabled so wont apologise for being on housing benifit which i might add i still top up over £140 per month on a £400 a month rent )
my house had mould and damp, i got a ladder scrubbed off the mould and painted the anti mould stuff ( wee one has lung damage so had to stay with rellys ) ive put in dehumidifiers to dry it out, i painted everything as walls had been re plastered and left. i know landlord responsible for most of this but i would have been in for a long wait
the electric wires exposed is another story. i wasnt doing this because of the potential risk and since after a month of promising and nothing happening a health professional ( have my suspisions who it was ) informed housing aid and they sent someone out who insisted on a lot more repairs then i felt was necissary.

so i really hope sheffield homes and keir are able to do any essential repairs as swiftly as poss if and when i move ( obviously i will do as many as i can but am single mum doing full time care for my wee one )

Don't worry about the few who have a go at council tenants. Not all tenants are the same, but there are a few who moan a bit too much some times.

Electric wires are dangerous and should never be left, so good on the person who got the problem sorted. Also good on you to sort out the mould - it can be controlled once its cleaned up! Lots of people seem to think its not their problem, yet most of the time, as you've proved, mould and damp are due to condensation and poor ventilation.

About 2/3 of Sheffield Homes properties have had decent homes work carried out now, so fingers crossed, you might get one thats got central heating, new windows, kitchen, bathroom etc.

central heatings a must due to madams lungs, winters a bad time for her, she gets too cold her breathing kaputs and she ends up in hospital.

dont mind if i need to decorate and stuff, she will just have to go to my sis but having things in good working order certainly helps

No I can't imagine what you thought? Care to enlighten us?

I think it was something like,"do it yourself you lazy sod!" :hihi::thumbsup:

:DLet's hear what Frank has to say ehh? I'm really looking forward to getting an insight into the quality of housing management currently on offer.

I fear quality and you are a uneasy combination!:hihi: The quality of housing management lay at the foot of the namby pamby government, housing corporation and audit commission. of which, no doubt. your a paid up member.:thumbsup: :hihi:

:D

I fear quality and you are a uneasy combination!:hihi: The quality of housing management lay at the foot of the namby pamby government, housing corporation and audit commission. of which, no doubt. your a paid up member.:thumbsup: :hihi:

Far from it. I doubt you'd know what a member of the CIH is or why that puts me in a position to see through you. Perhaps I might be feeling your collar soon anyway. :D I have to say based on your posts on this thread you seem to be in need of customer service training and reorientation. You've clearly lost sight of who pays your wage.

Far from it. I doubt you'd know what a member of the CIH is or why that puts me in a position to see through you. Perhaps I might be feeling your collar soon anyway. :D I have to say based on your posts on this thread you seem to be in need of customer service training and reorientation. You've clearly lost sight of who pays your wage.

I have to agree, I came into housing back in 1995(not in Sheffield) fairly late in my career, which previously had been very customer oriented. I was struck by a general non-customer friendly approach to tenants.

Over the last few years there has been a huge push to change the culture certainly within Sheffield Homes, they do strive for customer satisfaction, and the majority of people surveyed certainly seem satisfied with the service they are receiving. Sheffield Homes would not get the highest rating, or the money for Decent Homes work if they were otherwise. They have tenants on board in all sorts of ways, as board members, on working parties etc. Whatever government legislation is in place, it shouldn't stop staff giving their customers unbiased, honest and fair service. We could discuss the problems that some legislation has brought, whether we'd find a solution is a different question.

As I said previously, with 43,000 properties things will go wrong, but how they are put right, and how the customers are treated are of the ultimate importance. Of course there are tenants who are never satisfied, just as there are serial complainants, but most just want a reasonable service in return for the rent thats paid.

I've retired from housing, but I've kept on my membership of the CIH, although its at a fairly lowly practitioner level. ;)

Far from it. I doubt you'd know what a member of the CIH is or why that puts me in a position to see through you. Perhaps I might be feeling your collar soon anyway. :D I have to say based on your posts on this thread you seem to be in need of customer service training and reorientation. You've clearly lost sight of who pays your wage.

You seem to miss my point, which is - I am very much for council housing and some council tenants. I note you say "who pays your wage." Well it isnt a large section of public housing tenants is it! Some of them have never worked. I feel social housing is ruined by these people, the good tenants suffer for what are, I'm sorry to say, a bunch of scroungers.

Social housing is in a mess because of lilly livered proceedures and managers, of no doubt which you are one!

You seem to miss my point, which is - I am very much for council housing and some council tenants. I note you say "who pays your wage." Well it isnt a large section of public housing tenants is it! Some of them have never worked. I feel social housing is ruined by these people, the good tenants suffer for what are, I'm sorry to say, a bunch of scroungers.

Social housing is in a mess because of lilly livered proceedures and managers, of no doubt which you are one!

You're a joke. The OP is about repairs and you launch into a monologue stereotyping tenants, rent arrears and obtaining repossesion:loopy: Ironic as I thought housing management was about providing homes and keeping people in them not your problem of turfing people out. Then we have your pathetic attempt on credibility, citing the broken glass in the front garden and what your real thoughts were. Where you should have been giving advice you were really thinking ridicule. Is there any wonder just as in the case of the OP, with people like you tenants don't trust their landlord and feel let down by the service they receive. Look back at your posts..have you really offered any practical advice? Oh that's right "complain"...staggering.

You haven't a clue. You accuse me of being "lilly livered", I doubt you'd have the guts to say that in real life. You'd be escorted to the front door. If as you suggest social housing is in a mess with attitudes like yours, you're making a significant contribution.

I have to agree, I came into housing back in 1995(not in Sheffield) fairly late in my career, which previously had been very customer oriented. I was struck by a general non-customer friendly approach to tenants.

Over the last few years there has been a huge push to change the culture certainly within Sheffield Homes, they do strive for customer satisfaction, and the majority of people surveyed certainly seem satisfied with the service they are receiving. Sheffield Homes would not get the highest rating, or the money for Decent Homes work if they were otherwise. They have tenants on board in all sorts of ways, as board members, on working parties etc. Whatever government legislation is in place, it shouldn't stop staff giving their customers unbiased, honest and fair service. We could discuss the problems that some legislation has brought, whether we'd find a solution is a different question.

As I said previously, with 43,000 properties things will go wrong, but how they are put right, and how the customers are treated are of the ultimate importance. Of course there are tenants who are never satisfied, just as there are serial complainants, but most just want a reasonable service in return for the rent thats paid.

I've retired from housing, but I've kept on my membership of the CIH, although its at a fairly lowly practitioner level. ;)

Thanks Ms Macbeth. It's unfortunate there still appears to be some who haven't grasped this, harbouring prejudice and defaulting to treating tenants like second class citizens, forgetting that their house is supposed to be their home. Personally I'd sooner work for an organisation striving for providing a quality service than one paying lip service to its tenants.

You seem to miss my point, which is - I am very much for council housing and some council tenants. I note you say "who pays your wage." Well it isnt a large section of public housing tenants is it! Some of them have never worked. I feel social housing is ruined by these people, the good tenants suffer for what are, I'm sorry to say, a bunch of scroungers.

Social housing is in a mess because of lilly livered proceedures and managers, of no doubt which you are one!


hope your never in the position then that your unable to work, have to claim housing benifit in order to keep a roof over your head and incounter people like yourself who look down on people on benifits

Well, the place my family and I moved into was pretty crap to be honest; no flooring with just bare tiles with 30 years worth of paint, a kitchen and bathroom from the dark ages and the remnants of the previous inhabitants curtains still nailed to the window frames.

Am I upset about it? Hell no. I was homeless before hand, and now I have a home. I'm not bothered that it was filthy and inhabited by rodents, as we cleaned it and got the pest people in. I'm not bothered that the decor was designed and applied by a blind man as a pot of white paint is about £7.

I wasn't even bothered that the toilet seat was taped down with yellow warning tape either.

Kier has been to us three times; twice because the hot water system was faulty - something I couldn't fix myself - and once to replace the toilet cistern. I only wanted to find out the details of some spare parts, but they sent a man out to look at it as they wern't sure on the model and he condemmed it on the spot and replaced it within two hours.

In the time we have been here, we have saved up some cash and done the work ourselves and are slowly getting round to something approaching 'livable and presentable'.

For people who were supposedly homeless to move in somewhere and then complain about silly small things they can put right themselves is pretty insane to be honest. My opinion of course.

Well, the place my family and I moved into was pretty crap to be honest; no flooring with just bare tiles with 30 years worth of paint, a kitchen and bathroom from the dark ages and the remnants of the previous inhabitants curtains still nailed to the window frames.

Am I upset about it? Hell no. I was homeless before hand, and now I have a home. I'm not bothered that it was filthy and inhabited by rodents, as we cleaned it and got the pest people in. I'm not bothered that the decor was designed and applied by a blind man as a pot of white paint is about £7.

I wasn't even bothered that the toilet seat was taped down with yellow warning tape either.

Kier has been to us three times; twice because the hot water system was faulty - something I couldn't fix myself - and once to replace the toilet cistern. I only wanted to find out the details of some spare parts, but they sent a man out to look at it as they wern't sure on the model and he condemmed it on the spot and replaced it within two hours.

In the time we have been here, we have saved up some cash and done the work ourselves and are slowly getting round to something approaching 'livable and presentable'.

For people who were supposedly homeless to move in somewhere and then complain about silly small things they can put right themselves is pretty insane to be honest. My opinion of course.

You've taken the most realistic approach - as you say, getting a property is the main issue, and with a bit of effort most problems can be sorted. People can be lucky and get a house or flat that's had a houseproud and careful tenant, but its fairly rare as most of those seem to stay long term in their homes. As long as someone's home is weatherproof, and the plumbing, lighting and heating are in working order, then most things can be improved over time - as long as the tenant themselves is prepared to put in a bit of effort. :thumbsup:

You're a joke. The OP is about repairs and you launch into a monologue stereotyping tenants, rent arrears and obtaining repossesion:loopy: Ironic as I thought housing management was about providing homes and keeping people in them not your problem of turfing people out. Then we have your pathetic attempt on credibility, citing the broken glass in the front garden and what your real thoughts were. Where you should have been giving advice you were really thinking ridicule. Is there any wonder just as in the case of the OP, with people like you tenants don't trust their landlord and feel let down by the service they receive. Look back at your posts..have you really offered any practical advice? Oh that's right "complain"...staggering.

You haven't a clue. You accuse me of being "lilly livered", I doubt you'd have the guts to say that in real life. You'd be escorted to the front door. If as you suggest social housing is in a mess with attitudes like yours, you're making a significant contribution.

You wouldnt last two minutes on the front line. Your attituude is that tenants cant do no wrong. you just perpetuate the problem, you big softy :hihi::hihi:

You wouldnt last two minutes on the front line. Your attituude is that tenants cant do no wrong. you just perpetuate the problem, you big softy :hihi::hihi:

Just listen to yourself. "Frontline":rolleyes: You talk as if it's trench warfare. A classic case of the job would be alright if it wasn't for the tenants. God help the people who have to deal with you.

I'm definately not soft, but I wouldn't expect a bigot like you to appreciate that.

It amazes me how houses are still being let to tenants in such a state. After all they are left standing empty for months, in which time someone could go in and give the place the once over and the place gets full of damp as the windows are smashed due to being screened. I suspect, infact I know, that houses offered to those who are homelesss, who have no choice than to accept are often properties which other tenants would refuse on grounds of cleanliness and health and safety.

When a tenant leaves a property they are expected to leave it in a state suitable for the next tenant, much the same as when one rents a caravan or holiday cottage. If they do not they are chased for the money to bring the property back to standard, so there is no excuse for tenants to be offered sub standard homes, but they obviously continue to be done so.

Why on earth should someone pay £100 a week rent on a property which they do not own, a property which they are continually reminded they do not own, and then have to pay to maintain the place. Common sense prevails in the case of minor repairs and decoration, but in cases where it is clearly the landlords responsibility then the landlord must do it and that includes the dwelling being clean and litter free before a family enters. Like I said, if you had a choice you would refuse the property, but someone who is homeless cannot. It is not fair for them to be taken advantage of and the landlord, ie. Sheffield Homes to neglect their duty.

I have to say that if tenants didn't buckle under and let the landlord off the hook by doing work themselves, the landlord would soon wake up to its responsibilities. I would urge tenants to join their local TARA and start complaining. It suits Homes that most members of TARAs are owner occupiers, usually elderly, who have more interest in whether the grass is cut than whether dwellings are decent.

In these difficult economic times those with a council house are the lucky ones, demand what you deserve, decent clean dwellings, homes you can be proud of and communities which thrive not which leave themselves open to criticism from all and sundry. I know tenants do their bit, maintaining beautiful gardens etc. make sure the authorities do their bit too for the rent money they receive.

It amazes me how houses are still being let to tenants in such a state. After all they are left standing empty for months, in which time someone could go in and give the place the once over and the place gets full of damp as the windows are smashed due to being screened. I suspect, infact I know, that houses offered to those who are homelesss, who have no choice than to accept are often properties which other tenants would refuse on grounds of cleanliness and health and safety.

When a tenant leaves a property they are expected to leave it in a state suitable for the next tenant, much the same as when one rents a caravan or holiday cottage. If they do not they are chased for the money to bring the property back to standard, so there is no excuse for tenants to be offered sub standard homes, but they obviously continue to be done so.

Why on earth should someone pay £100 a week rent on a property which they do not own, a property which they are continually reminded they do not own, and then have to pay to maintain the place. Common sense prevails in the case of minor repairs and decoration, but in cases where it is clearly the landlords responsibility then the landlord must do it and that includes the dwelling being clean and litter free before a family enters. Like I said, if you had a choice you would refuse the property, but someone who is homeless cannot. It is not fair for them to be taken advantage of and the landlord, ie. Sheffield Homes to neglect their duty.

I have to say that if tenants didn't buckle under and let the landlord off the hook by doing work themselves, the landlord would soon wake up to its responsibilities. I would urge tenants to join their local TARA and start complaining. It suits Homes that most members of TARAs are owner occupiers, usually elderly, who have more interest in whether the grass is cut than whether dwellings are decent.

In these difficult economic times those with a council house are the lucky ones, demand what you deserve, decent clean dwellings, homes you can be proud of and communities which thrive not which leave themselves open to criticism from all and sundry. I know tenants do their bit, maintaining beautiful gardens etc. make sure the authorities do their bit too for the rent money they receive.

my current property was lovely when I accepted the tenancy, Ive redecorated a lot of it as it was old fashioned (previous tenant was a single old man) but it was in fantastic condition. However my previous properties were horrid, the last one the previous tenants purposely ripped wallpaper off each wall in each room so we HAD to decorate, as well as damaging things. I don't see the point, why be spiteful?

just to let everybody know, i am having a main inspector along with an independant surveyer to look at my property and they report everything the surveyer does not work for sheffield homes. you are entitled to this, and guess wot i got a call from sheffield homes today wanting to do all the repairs before next week can you believe that, obviously i said no as i have an appointment next week so that the surveyer can see for himself what a state that this property is in, i hope everybody who is a sheffield homes tenant starts to complain and push it as hard as you can they will soon start chasing you, rather than you chasing them for a repair, will keep you all up dated of the outcome next week

just to let everybody know, i am having a main inspector along with an independant surveyer to look at my property and they report everything the surveyer does not work for sheffield homes. you are entitled to this, and guess wot i got a call from sheffield homes today wanting to do all the repairs before next week can you believe that, obviously i said no as i have an appointment next week so that the surveyer can see for himself what a state that this property is in, i hope everybody who is a sheffield homes tenant starts to complain and push it as hard as you can they will soon start chasing you, rather than you chasing them for a repair, will keep you all up dated of the outcome next week
Hello Tracey,

As I said earlier the only way to get results is to complain. There's been some responses which provided the usual waffle you get from Housing Departments, in particualr from senior officials. If your first complaint is not dealt with as you requested ask for it to be moved onto the next stage. At the end of the day Hosing Managers are usually more concerned with "performance" and their own careers to give two hoots about tenants.

hi frank. yes thank you for ypur advise will def let you the out come next week, which will prob be interesting, i wonder what the independant surveyer will think??/

Just listen to yourself. "Frontline":rolleyes: You talk as if it's trench warfare. A classic case of the job would be alright if it wasn't for the tenants. God help the people who have to deal with you.

I'm definately not soft, but I wouldn't expect a bigot like you to appreciate that.

I'm sorry if you feel like that. Unfortunately, if you've ever worked in such a job you'd realise how the front line staff are hampered by daft managers and government officials with their idea of a utopia that is social housing. They pamper and patronise, all for their own ends. One day some one will wake up to the fact that a tenants lot can only be improved by getting tough with problem tenants. This will make it much better for the every day good tenants.

What rattled your cage initially was the fact that I wouldn't offer advise to a lazy pillock who expected me to send, a cost to other tenants, a bloke out to sweep glass up on his front. The fact that he was that stupid that he'd sooner walk a mile to ask someone else to do it than just do it himself says it all. If my kids were at risk, I'd do it myself.

We have in social housing a sort of left wing namby pamby experiment that has gone badly wrong. Estates were much better in the fifties than they are now.They've been ruined by housing policy,thugs and do gooders.

You need to wake upand smell the coffee.:hihi:

hi frank. yes thank you for ypur advise will def let you the out come next week, which will prob be interesting, i wonder what the independant surveyer will think??/

There's a scheme now where you can claim compensation if the repairs / service is poor. Not sure if Sheff Homes do it though. May as well try!! I live in a housing association property and got 250 quid last year because of them not turning up or doing a poor job.I think most organisation deal with complaints in 3 stages. Unless you get satisfaction move the complaint onto the next stage.

I'm sorry if you feel like that. Unfortunately, if you've ever worked in such a job you'd realise how the front line staff are hampered by daft managers and government officials with their idea of a utopia that is social housing. They pamper and patronise, all for their own ends. One day some one will wake up to the fact that a tenants lot can only be improved by getting tough with problem tenants. This will make it much better for the every day good tenants.

What rattled your cage initially was the fact that I wouldn't offer advise to a lazy pillock who expected me to send, a cost to other tenants, a bloke out to sweep glass up on his front. The fact that he was that stupid that he'd sooner walk a mile to ask someone else to do it than just do it himself says it all. If my kids were at risk, I'd do it myself.

We have in social housing a sort of left wing namby pamby experiment that has gone badly wrong. Estates were much better in the fifties than they are now.They've been ruined by housing policy,thugs and do gooders.

You need to wake upand smell the coffee.:hihi:

Your opening comment actually means quite a lot as long as you truly mean it. The thing is Frank in the past I have worked (as a Housing Trainee/Assistant and Officer) in most of the inner city areas of Sheffield such as Pitsmoor, Burngreave, Firvale, Sharrow, Darnall and Manor. I've also worked in Rotherham (Dalton, Eastwood, Clifton and Canklow) and briefly in Doncaster. I think you'd have to agree not exactly the easist areas to work in. All in all that's around 18 years experience. So you see I can say I'm speaking from experience and neither do I need coffee to appreciate what it's like. I'd also add my parents live in Sheffield Homes property. I've come up against bad managers and officers during my time, as well as some really bad policies and procedures.

Of course there are tenants who're difficult. I wouldn't deny that, but there's a raft of things that can be used to tackle these problems that didn't exist in the past. I'd also dispute that estates in the fifties were better. It's a matter of opinion. If they were then I'd suggest that it's more to do with what peoples expectations were of the time and a liberal dose of nostalgia. Planned maintenance was a lick of paint and reporting a repair..well you were lucky if the rent man wrote it down. In winter there were icicles on the inside, I know I remember chipping great chunks off the window.

Demolition's got rid of the worst and quite rightly so.

Any issue I have about the glass in the front garden is that in many respects it's a very poor example and in your description it raised more questions about yourself than what you were attempting to illustrate.

People don't necessarily understand what their obligations are as a tenant, even where it might be blindingly obvious to the rest of us and as a professional you should be acutely aware of that. Walking a mile to ask about broken glass might sound daft but neither does it sound like a straight forward case of being lazy. He walked in to tell you and it strikes me there are other mitigating reasons why he might. Tolerance and understanding isn't being soft and neither does it conflict with being firm and fair. I don't think you'll find anything in the advice I've given / posted on here which suggests otherwise.

Well done for plagiarising my post #93 re: recovering the cost of repair from a landlord.

Back on the OP.

Tracey you mentioned in post #124 that Sheffield Homes was trying to get all the repairs done before an independent inspector visited and you said no. I understand where you're coming from in wanting an inspector to see the conditions you're living under, however there is a twist to this that you need to consider particularly if you've given a flat no as a response. If it's just a matter of arranging a more convenient time then just try and arrange for Sheffield Homes to visit a week or so later.

Landlords can argue that they have been denied access to carry out a repair and this can weaken your case. Even though Sheffield Homes might not have been as effective as you would have liked they still need to be given a chance to carry out repairs. In some situations tenants can find themselves at the expensive end of a bill for this and in extreme cases may even lose their home. For example where a landlord needs to gain access to carry out important repairs such as servicing a gas appliance.

Hi Starfraction, I Am Waiting For An Independant Surveyer And An Inspector At The Same Time , Sheffield Homes Have Not Made Any Dates For Repair I Just Had A Phone Call Saying That They Would Try To Rush The Repairs Before Next Week (i Wonder If Thats So The Surveyer Cant See What State The House Is In) So Conviently I Will Be Out All Week Till The Inspection Next Week, Not Right I Know But I Have Waited This Long For The Repairs And It Surprises Me How Quick They Can Doa Repair When They Know They Are In The Wrong If You Know What I Mean.

:hihi:Your opening comment actually means quite a lot as long as you truly mean it. The thing is Frank in the past I have worked (as a Housing Trainee/Assistant and Officer) in most of the inner city areas of Sheffield such as Pitsmoor, Burngreave, Firvale, Sharrow, Darnall and Manor. I've also worked in Rotherham (Dalton, Eastwood, Clifton and Canklow) and briefly in Doncaster. I think you'd have to agree not exactly the easist areas to work in. All in all that's around 18 years experience. So you see I can say I'm speaking from experience and neither do I need coffee to appreciate what it's like. I'd also add my parents live in Sheffield Homes property. I've come up against bad managers and officers during my time, as well as some really bad policies and procedures.

Of course there are tenants who're difficult. I wouldn't deny that, but there's a raft of things that can be used to tackle these problems that didn't exist in the past. I'd also dispute that estates in the fifties were better. It's a matter of opinion. If they were then I'd suggest that it's more to do with what peoples expectations were of the time and a liberal dose of nostalgia. Planned maintenance was a lick of paint and reporting a repair..well you were lucky if the rent man wrote it down. In winter there were icicles on the inside, I know I remember chipping great chunks off the window.

Demolition's got rid of the worst and quite rightly so.

Any issue I have about the glass in the front garden is that in many respects it's a very poor example and in your description it raised more questions about yourself than what you were attempting to illustrate.

People don't necessarily understand what their obligations are as a tenant, even where it might be blindingly obvious to the rest of us and as a professional you should be acutely aware of that. Walking a mile to ask about broken glass might sound daft but neither does it sound like a straight forward case of being lazy. He walked in to tell you and it strikes me there are other mitigating reasons why he might. Tolerance and understanding isn't being soft and neither does it conflict with being firm and fair. I don't think you'll find anything in the advice I've given / posted on here which suggests otherwise.

Well done for plagiarising my post #93 re: recovering the cost of repair from a landlord.

Back on the OP.

Tracey you mentioned in post #124 that Sheffield Homes was trying to get all the repairs done before an independent inspector visited and you said no. I understand where you're coming from in wanting an inspector to see the conditions you're living under, however there is a twist to this that you need to consider particularly if you've given a flat no as a response. If it's just a matter of arranging a more convenient time then just try and arrange for Sheffield Homes to visit a week or so later.

Landlords can argue that they have been denied access to carry out a repair and this can weaken your case. Even though Sheffield Homes might not have been as effective as you would have liked they still need to be given a chance to carry out repairs. In some situations tenants can find themselves at the expensive end of a bill for this and in extreme cases may even lose their home. For example where a landlord needs to gain access to carry out important repairs such as servicing a gas appliance.

Although, I would't want to go on about it:hihi: the glass? it was on the pavement outside the mans house. he was agressive in his behaviour because he said he would sue if his children were cut by the glass. Not only do we have to baby sit him but we have to baby sit his kids as well, we're also, it appears, responsible for any harm that comes to them!

I note you say you've worked in social housing. Unfortunately that doesnt qualify you as an expert. Social Housing has its fair share of rubbish staff, who are moved from one post to another when they can't cope. I'm not saying that is you, but its a fact.

In regards to the fifties I obviously wasn't talking about the condition of the properties but the communities that lived there. After decades of silly ineffective policy and meddling by the government, with vast amounts of money piled in. ASBO's, ABC's, Parenting Orders, Injunctions and other none effective methods have been used to try and rid the estates of problem tenants. None work and the culprits find it all highly amusing.

If you think problem tenants should not be evicted then you will ensure the estates never improve.

The softly softly approach just doesnt work and decent tenants deserve much better.

:hihi:

Although, I would't want to go on about it:hihi: the glass? it was on the pavement outside the mans house. he was agressive in his behaviour because he said he would sue if his children were cut by the glass. Not only do we have to baby sit him but we have to baby sit his kids as well, we're also, it appears, responsible for any harm that comes to them!

I note you say you've worked in social housing. Unfortunately that doesnt qualify you as an expert. Social Housing has its fair share of rubbish staff, who are moved from one post to another when they can't cope. I'm not saying that is you, but its a fact.

In regards to the fifties I obviously wasn't talking about the condition of the properties but the communities that lived there. After decades of silly ineffective policy and meddling by the government, with vast amounts of money piled in. ASBO's, ABC's, Parenting Orders, Injunctions and other none effective methods have been used to try and rid the estates of problem tenants. None work and the culprits find it all highly amusing.

If you think problem tenants should not be evicted then you will ensure the estates never improve.

The softly softly approach just doesnt work and decent tenants deserve much better.

In the 50s (and I was around then) society was completely different. Council housing was aspirational for most working folk who were often living in slum conditions. It was usually more expensive than privately rented properties. People were prepared to wait, and when they got a council house most of them treasured it, and kept the house and garden nice. But only the people who the housing inspectors felt were worthy were given properties. People were vetted. Hard luck if you were a widow with children and very little income - you'd have little chance of affording one.

Since the 1980s that hasn't been the case - apart from the best areas becoming virtually unobtainable for most renters due to the right to buy, the onus has been on housing people who qualify due to their level of need. Consequently most of the negative changes that have happened to our society are magnified in areas of deprivation, which tend to be on large council and housing association estates.

In the 50s the police had a much more hands on role, if a neighbour was causing a nuisance, the local bobby would visit and put a stop to it. But those days are long gone, and the small minority of bad neighbours do cause problems for the peace loving, law abiding majority. Happily Sheffield Homes do take action - but the courts demand so much evidence its never a quick fix.

I met a few rubbish staff and managers too when I worked in social housing, interestingly they were mainly people who'd been around a long time, and had very negative views of tenants, didn't have a clue about customer service, and really were stealing a living.

Sheffield Homes is not the fantastic organisation you promote. We all know that. In relation to customer service this has gone a little American. catchy ways to answer the phone, leaflets and diversity nonesence on the back of toilet doors. Tenants don't want all that. They want repairs doing quickly, ASB dealt with and staff who know what they're doing.

i agree with you, all we want is a repair doing to a standard and in reasonable time. if we didnt pay our rent they would soon be on to us????

Sheffield Homes is not the fantastic organisation you promote. We all know that. In relation to customer service this has gone a little American. catchy ways to answer the phone, leaflets and diversity nonesence on the back of toilet doors. Tenants don't want all that. They want repairs doing quickly, ASB dealt with and staff who know what they're doing.

Where do I say they're fantastic? I'm not promoting them, but they compare favourably with some of the other ALMOs not a million miles from here. I know they aren't perfect, but as everyone knows, its rare that a job done satisfactorily will get a mention, but when something goes wrong people complain. Its right that people complain, its how companies learn to improve. I complain if I don't get decent service. Lets not forget, we are talking 43000+ customers. And, given the dislike of foreign call centres thats discussed on another thread, I thought people would be happy that when they ring Sheffield Homes they actually speak to someone here in Sheffield! :o

I do worry however, when you use diversity + nonsense in the same sentence. :rolleyes: I could have understood that mindset some years ago, but times have changed and I've certainly learnt that not everyone has the same needs. I'm glad that there is help for people with disabilities to get appropriate housing, although that's difficult given that most council properties aren't really suitable for adaptation. Or by diversity, do you only mean people from different ethnic backgrounds?

Where do I say they're fantastic? I'm not promoting them, but they compare favourably with some of the other ALMOs not a million miles from here. I know they aren't perfect, but as everyone knows, its rare that a job done satisfactorily will get a mention, but when something goes wrong people complain. Its right that people complain, its how companies learn to improve. I complain if I don't get decent service. Lets not forget, we are talking 43000+ customers. And, given the dislike of foreign call centres thats discussed on another thread, I thought people would be happy that when they ring Sheffield Homes they actually speak to someone here in Sheffield! :o

I do worry however, when you use diversity + nonsense in the same sentence. :rolleyes: I could have understood that mindset some years ago, but times have changed and I've certainly learnt that not everyone has the same needs. I'm glad that there is help for people with disabilities to get appropriate housing, although that's difficult given that most council properties aren't really suitable for adaptation. Or by diversity, do you only mean people from different ethnic backgrounds?

I mean we'll all help people according to their needs, we just dont want daft PC rubbish.

No doubt I'll get shot down but hey ho!!

I live in social housing as, even though I work full time, I was unable to afford a mortgage when I needed a home and now I'm too old to take on a mortgage

I have no gripes at all with Sheffield Homes, they take my money and when I have a repair I am unable to do they make arrangements with Kier to fix it. What's more they actually do make the effort to give an appointment time for the majority of repairs and keep to it!

No doubt I'll get shot down but hey ho!!

I live in social housing as, even though I work full time, I was unable to afford a mortgage when I needed a home and now I'm too old to take on a mortgage

I have no gripes at all with Sheffield Homes, they take my money and when I have a repair I am unable to do they make arrangements with Kier to fix it. What's more they actually do make the effort to give an appointment time for the majority of repairs and keep to it!

I don't know why you should get shot down, it sounds like you're getting a satisfactory service - just as it should be. :thumbsup: Its helpful that you've taken the trouble to comment. The majority of tenants will have similar experiences, its normally only when things go wrong anyone hears about it.

I don't know why you should get shot down, it sounds like you're getting a satisfactory service - just as it should be. :thumbsup: Its helpful that you've taken the trouble to comment. The majority of tenants will have similar experiences, its normally only when things go wrong anyone hears about it.

There's a saying that for bad service you'll tell 10 people for good service you'll only tell 5.

It really annoys me that some people look down on social housing as though it's something bad and the people that live there are misfits, users, slackers and generally the dregs of the earth. That is far from the truth, like most walks of life there's good and bad and just because you have a mortgage doesn't make you any better than those that don't...after all we could ask where some people on pay the same as the rest of us get their money to have these huge houses!

Unfortunately with the current state of the economy there are going to be more and more people in need of social housing and one wonders then if they will be so denegrating?

There's a saying that for bad service you'll tell 10 people for good service you'll only tell 5.

It really annoys me that some people look down on social housing as though it's something bad and the people that live there are misfits, users, slackers and generally the dregs of the earth. That is far from the truth, like most walks of life there's good and bad and just because you have a mortgage doesn't make you any better than those that don't...after all we could ask where some people on pay the same as the rest of us get their money to have these huge houses!

Unfortunately with the current state of the economy there are going to be more and more people in need of social housing and one wonders then if they will be so denegrating?

Up til about 30+ years ago social housing wasn't considered to be mainly for people in need, and it wasn't cheap. There wasn't housing benefit, so people had to live within their (often very limited) means and young couples often lived with in-laws or rented a room until they were allocated a house. Council homes in the early days were usually well looked after, as most of the tenants really valued what they got, and of course had to pay for it. Not forgetting they were vetted before they were given a tenancy, and this meant checks to ensure that dad was working, and mum kept the home and children clean and neat. I've seen housing files from the 1950/60s - this really did happen!

Times have changed, and the majority of people who've been given a tenancy over the last few years have had some form of priority. People who rely on benefits as their source of income have their rent and council tax paid, and I've met some who seriously believe its free housing. If it costs nothing, in terms of money or work/effort, I'm afraid some people don't value it at all and its evident by the state of some of the properties.

I recently walked around a nearby housing association estate, one that I'm told always has a waiting list. The houses look good, with new railings and gates, upvc double glazing and smart doors. Some of the occupiers obviously take a pride in their homes and gardens. However, many are badly let down by having unkempt and scruffy gardens. Would it help the social housing image if all the gardens were at least tidy? Perhaps if the tenants won't do it, then should the HA get the grass cut, get rid of the litter and charge them? Lots of tenants' associations hire out gardening tools, so there really isn't an excuse in many cases. There should be a regular free gardening service for people who are too elderly or disabled to do it themselves.

There is an estate meeting room and 'bring out your rubbish days' are advertised, along with estate litter picks - so there's no real excuse for it being scruffy, yet parts of the estate looked a bit run down.

Lots of people really do want social housing, most folk just want a decent home in a nice area, so there is some resentment as well from people who just don't qualify any more - unless they are prepared to wait 10+ years. They are often struggling to pay for their mortgaged or private rented home, yet because they have made the effort to find an adequate place to live will always be at the end of the queue for social housing. And people who do get a property are often very disappointed by the state of it - just read some of the threads on here.

There's a saying that for bad service you'll tell 10 people for good service you'll only tell 5.

It really annoys me that some people look down on social housing as though it's something bad and the people that live there are misfits, users, slackers and generally the dregs of the earth. That is far from the truth, like most walks of life there's good and bad and just because you have a mortgage doesn't make you any better than those that don't...after all we could ask where some people on pay the same as the rest of us get their money to have these huge houses!

Unfortunately with the current state of the economy there are going to be more and more people in need of social housing and one wonders then if they will be so denegrating?

You're absolutely right. Acquired wealth at the expense of someone less fortunate.

In terms of increased demand for social housing, demographics and in particular an ageing population will be a key factor in the not too distant future.

I was around in the early 60's when the estate I live on, Gleadless Valley, was first built. I remember standing at the gate to our paved area outside the front door, while coach loads of visitors were shown the benefits of the innovative estate by the then proud Sheffield Council who owned the properties.

Over the years this area has fallen into disrepair, not at the fault of the tenants or householders who have purchased their homes but by the Local Authority who refused to invest into the area. We currently have a public house at the bottom of our road that has been empty for nearly 2 years, despite numerous queries to Sheffield Homes, the brewery and local councillors we have to suffer this eyesore as no-one will take ownership of it's upkeep.

The road I live on houses predominantly older people who have been here as long as my mother - 45 years - and have taken pride in their locale...however following the very high winds of earlier this year the fence surrounding the paved area outside my mother's house and those around other houses blew down as the fence has never been replaced in 45 years by the owners of the property - the Local Authority.

During the recent Decent Homes Programme we were told that all homes would receive new metal fences and paved areas...when it comes to the Leighton Road side of the Gleadless Valley estate did this happen? No...there was no money for it! However my mother was advised by a local councillor, on the lead up to the election, that the reason the houses on the Blackstock Road side of the estate had had their fences replaced was because the road was the route used by National Express to ferry people from the city centre to the motorway network and the Council wanted it to look pretty!

My mother is now 75 and living on a restricted income but has been told she must replace the fence as the landlord is not interested in doing so...where's the equality in that?

hi to everyone who has shown an interest in the topic that i started, just to say i had the visit yesterday with a main inspector from sheffield homes and an independant surveyer, the surveyer went round my home and told the inspector what needed doing in the house which to my amazement was more than we origanally thought. the sheffield homes inspector couldnt argue with anything the surveyer was saying what needed doing, i am having all the repairs done and more which sheffield homes at start refused to do which the repairs i was reporting was in a disrepair state, the surveyer now gives sheffie;d homes and my solicitor a report to which he thought and found which will be interesting to read. it is surprising when you complain in the right places how quick sheffield homes and kier can make appointments to do the repairs, just let hope now the repairs that they do are a good repair and we all no what kier are like??. im just pleased now ive passed the hurdle we can decorate the house now and settle our family into it

Does it cost much to have an independent surveyor check your property - and who pays for it? Just wondering, as this could be useful information that relates to another thread about private housing.

Well it seems Sheffield Homes are going down the pan. 100 redundancies coming up. There will be more companies like them going bust. Daft policies and government meddling are to blame. I hate to say it but, I told you so!

Well it seems Sheffield Homes are going down the pan. 100 redundancies coming up. There will be more companies like them going bust. Daft policies and government meddling are to blame. I hate to say it but, I told you so!

For anyone wanting to debate that particular issue, there's a thread about it here: http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=400370

Why should a Sheffield Homes Tenant do their own repairs when Sheffield Homes as the Landlord is responsible for the repairs.

Do the work yourself and move out anytime later and you could be billed for any improvements you have done. My sister was billed for removing an old picture rail in her living room, not plastering where wall lighting was removed (she thought the next tenants would find this useful) and for removal of the original door - she did leave a mahogany one in its place! Also her partner had taken loads of stuff in his van to the local tip and she was being charged for removal of rubbish on her back garden - seems the neighbours saw this as an opportunity. She had to go to court over this as the council said she owed them quite a sum of money. This was an early trick of the councils to generate income from people moving out of properties.

When I moved into my own property I had no garden path, garden was full of razor blades and knives, downstairs loo walls were black up to waist level as the previous tenants kept dogs in the porch and toilet areas. Bedroom walls were full of nails. This was passed by an inspector as habitable and the council left me to deal with everything myself despite having small children.

My brother moved into his property some time ago and had all sorts of problems to deal with. After a few complaints someone visited the property and actually said he didn't know what the inspectors were playing at lately and must be carrying out their inspections by looking through the letterboxes!
There were leaks in the bathroom and kitchen areas causing problems with damp and he also had a young family.

You're supposed to leave the property as you find it leaving it nicely decorated for the next tenants. I was told by one inspector after I'd put my name down for an exchange that I'd need to redecorate my front room as I'd stripped the wallpaper off in order to put new on, as I wouldn't be able to exchange with it in it's current state!!!!

Finally, not sure if it's true but a lot of my neighbours say that Kier workmen are paid per visit so it could explain why some of them turn up early and leave a card if it's gonna earn them money.