Following on from yesterdays Government announcement about the introduction of a 3 phased response to Covid (Medium, High and Very High).
As customers will probably already be aware, Warrington is currently defined as “High” within the new categorisation. Although this could change as numbers in terms of positive tests and hospital admissions change locally.
WHA will continue to follow Government Guidance:-
Our offices remain closed but we are continuing to deliver services in a Covid compliant way.
Colleagues will continue to work from home, providing services on-line, by telephone or “face to face” via video conferencing and only visiting schemes and individual homes where absolutely necessary.
We will continue to ask customers Covid-19 questions when you request a service such as a repair and again before a contractor or colleague visits. We are doing this to protect us all and reduce the risk of transmission so please tell us if you or anyone in your household has the following symptoms, is self-isolating or has been asked to quarantine and we will rearrange your appointment:
- a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
- a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
- a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you’ve noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal
The Government ask that people stay at home if they are unwell and continue to adhere to hygiene and social distancing measures.
Our contractors continue to adhere to Government Guidance when visiting schemes or entering residents homes to carry out repair work, including the use of PPE if required.
Repairs
It is in the best interests of tenants and landlords to ensure properties are well maintained, kept in good repair and free from hazards, provided this can be done safely.
We continue to carry out all emergency, urgent and routine repairs and have cleared our small backlog. We are repairing our empty properties to get them ready to let.
If you would like to report a repair please click HERE
EMERGENCY OUT OF HOURS REPAIRS: If you have an emergency repair, outside of our office hours, please contact Orbis Monitoring on 0151 343 4223 which will be charged at a local rate or 0844 893 3386, please note this is a premium rate number. Thank-you
Servicing and inspections
We continue to carry out gas servicing and other statutory testing, such as electrical inspections, lift servicing and inspections, fire-fighting equipment and statutory servicing and inspections. We ask that you allow contractors access to carry out these essential services and inspections.
Rent Payments
Residents must continue to pay their rent and can pay their rent via Direct Debit, AllPay, Standing Order or Card Payment.
Tenancy Support/ Money Advice
Please contact us as soon as possible if you are worried about your tenancy or are struggling to make your rent payments. The Government has put financial support in place and we continue to offer support, advice and signposting by email, text, phone and WhatsApp to help you pay your rent and maintain your tenancy.
Allocations/ Lettings
We have resumed allocating and letting properties once ready. Interviews, Viewings, Sign Ups and Key Collection will be virtual by telephone, zoom or face-time or, by exception be carried out in accordance with social distancing measures, with a maximum number of people allowed to view the property.
Ending a Tenancy
Please contact us by email or telephone to give us notice and we will arrange for a virtual inspection and for you to drop off the keys.
Estate Services
We continue to clean communal areas, paying attention to heavy traffic areas, such as door handles and have resumed gardening and window cleaning.
Planned Investment
We have recommenced some planned investment works where it is safe to do so and will be in touch with residents.
Development
All development schemes have recommenced work, although handovers have been subject to delays.
Lifetime Services
Why we piloted the opening of Lifetime for a limited number of sessions and events, we have taken the decision that in the current circumstances Lifetime should close again. We will continue to review this as per the rules of Government, as we recognise as we recognise how important this is for our customers. Our virtual services continue to be popular and you can find out what is happening by clicking HERE . Volunteers are supporting ‘Check in and Chat’ calls
WHiA – Home Improvement Services
Our WHiA department are now contacting customers to ensure they are comfortable for our colleagues and contractors to enter their home to complete any required works. All visitors to your property will adhere to strict social distancing and wear the correct PPE as outlined in the latest Government Guidance.
Reviews
We ask that you remain patient as we continue to adapt our ways of working to endeavour to keep our customers, colleagues, contractors and the general public safe and well.
We will continue to review the way we offer services and provide updates when things change.
Thank you for your continued patience as we work through this.
