Mum’s anger over full rent demands
FHA criticised for policy during pandemic
A Raploch woman has called for more help from Forth Housing Association during the coronavirus lockdown.
Sharon Craig is a tenant at Gordon Square, where she has lived with her severely disabled son, 20-year-old Terry, for a decade.
Terry has the rare genetic disorder, Tatton-Brown Rahman Syndrome.
Sharon, who works as a chambermaid at the Holiday Inn in Stirling, has been placed on furlough as a result of the ongoing health crisis.
However, she says that her entire rent of £470 is still expected by FHA, despite her only earning around £410 in wages whilst she receives just 80 per cent of her usual pay.
She hit out at the housing association for not contacting its tenants during the crisis.
She said: “Stirling Council have given their tenants a month’s free rent. I know other folk have had help with mortgages, but I’ve heard nothing from Forth Housing at all.”
She added: “I think it’s disgusting to expect full rent when this is going on, they should hang their heads in shame.”
FHA director Grahame Cairns explained the discrepancy between councils and housing associations, saying: “Forth understands the demands placed on Royal Mail, and we are communicating with our tenants via our website, phone calls – staff have phoned over 80 known vulnerable households to check on their welfare – texts and emails. Staff are available to answer all calls between the hours of 9am and 3pm, and any messages are followed up.
“Our Income Maximisation Officer is working non-stop to assist tenants affected by this crisis and provides information on welfare benefits.
“The Scottish Government approved new temporary legislation to protect tenants if they are having difficulties with their rent. Tenants that have contacted Forth regarding rent issues are provided with support and information on their entitlement to benefits.”
He added: “Local authorities have always charged their rents, similar to the council tax by providing a break. This does not mean the sum changes, it is just how it is divided. Stirling charges their rent weekly, we charge monthly.
“As you will be aware, there are no free rents/holidays, it is deferring payments. We will provide support to all tenants, and going forward our committee will consider the impact Covid-19 has had to our service delivery.
“We are reporting monthly to the regulator on this very subject.”
Ms Craig also says that she has received a “threatening letter” saying that legal action would be taken over an overdue gas boiler servicing whilst they are in selfisolation.
However, Mr Cairns refuted that claim, saying: “That does surprise me as the boiler has been serviced and we absolutely would ensure safety for all persons in the household and specifically a disabled relative.”
He added: “We do not threaten legal action and we provide tenants with at least two months’ notice that their gas service is due. This provides enough time for any individual who is self-isolating to arrange a time suitable for this work to be done.
“Our contractors are fully aware of social distancing and wear the appropriate PPE. Due to the advance notice we provide, when any tenant has advised us that they are self-isolating we have rescheduled their service.”
Mr Cairns also said that registered social landlords have asked the Scottish Government if the legal requirement to service boilers every 12 months can be extended during this crisis to 18 months.
The Health and Safety Executive is responsible for this and it insists that landlords carry out the annual services. As the Scottish Government does not have devolved power they have been unable to extend the servicing timescale.