Key Points
- Havering Council took legal action due to a tenant’s refusal to allow a routine electrical and asbestos safety check.
- Despite court orders in January 2024 and July 2025, the tenant repeatedly denied access.
- Forced entry was granted in July 2025, with the eventual access occurring in August 2025 after police and locksmith intervention.
- The tenant was ordered by the court to pay £4,000 in legal costs to the council.
- Councillor Ray Morgon, leader of Havering Council, expressed frustration at the time and resources wasted.
- The council reaffirmed its commitment to tenant safety and statutory safety checks such as gas, electricity, water, and asbestos.
- Havering Council introduced a new access to homes policy in 2025 to improve the efficiency and respectfulness of such procedures.
- Failure to comply with access provisions may breach tenancy agreements and lead to legal consequences including possession proceedings and costs.
What Happened Between Havering Council and the Tenant Regarding Safety Checks?
As reported by Havering Council on 24 November 2025, the council was compelled to take a resident to court after the tenant blocked access to their home to conduct a routine electrical and asbestos safety check. The council was initially awarded a court order in January 2024 to gain entry. However, the tenant continued to deny access, forcing the council to seek a second court order in July 2025 that allowed forced entry to the property.
At the council’s appointment to carry out the safety works in August 2025, two council officers attended the property alongside three contractors, two police officers, and a locksmith. After approximately 40 minutes of discussions at the property, the tenant finally permitted the works to proceed, ending the prolonged standoff.
The council pursued legal costs due to the tenant’s non-compliance, and the court ordered the tenant to pay £4,000 towards the council’s legal expenses, reflecting the excessive time and resources consumed in enforcing compliance.
Why Did Havering Council Describe the Case as Deeply Frustrating?
Councillor Ray Morgon, leader of Havering Council, told Romford Recorder that the case was “a deeply frustrating example of how much time, money, and effort can be wasted” when trying to ensure tenant safety. He stressed the council’s responsibility as a landlord to safeguard its tenants through necessary safety procedures and statutory checks, including those for gas, electricity, water, and asbestos.
Cllr Morgon emphasized that council efforts should not be hindered in fulfilling these legal obligations and that while committed to tenant safety, such resistance undermines this mission. The council’s frustration was anchored in the understanding that public resources were wasted due to one tenant’s refusal to cooperate.
What Has Havering Council Done to Prevent Similar Incidents?
Havering Council introduced a new “Access to Homes” policy earlier in 2025, aimed at improving how safety checks and other necessary visits are conducted. This policy sets clearer guidelines for gaining access to properties, the responsibilities of residents, and the consequences of refusal. It also prioritises respectful and efficient dealings with residents while ensuring statutory requirements are met.
The council also provides training for housing staff on the new access protocols to enhance communication and manage access issues sensitively but effectively. The policy underlines that failure to provide reasonable access can breach tenancy agreements, leading to legal action including possession proceedings and cost recovery.
How Does the Tenancy Agreement Affect Resident Access to Properties?
Tenants under Havering Council sign tenancy agreements clearly outlining their rights and obligations, including the requirement to grant reasonable access for safety checks and repairs. The council’s official communications underline that refusal to permit access is a breach of these agreements, potentially resulting in court actions and eviction proceedings depending on the severity of the non-compliance.
This legal framework supports the council’s proactive stance in enforcing safety checks, as these are vital for protecting both tenants and council housing stock. It ensures that social housing tenants adhere to rules that facilitate safe living conditions.
What Broader Context Has Been Reported on Havering Council’s Tenant Safety Efforts?
Other reports highlight the council’s broader strategy to maintain safe and secure housing. For example, asbestos checks and remedial work on communal areas have been ongoing as part of regular maintenance and safety assurance measures. While some residents have raised concerns about delays and communication in repairs, the council has committed to addressing these issues through monitoring and better contractor management.
The council’s ongoing housing policies continue to reflect a balance of legal enforcement and resident cooperation to promote wellbeing and safety across its social housing stock.
