COVID-19 FAQ

Tenancy matters

Do I need to tell you if I am self-isolating or have been infected with Covid-19? 

Yes please. This is particularly important if you are expecting a visit from Habinteg or one of our contractors so that we can rearrange your appointment or make suitable arrangements.

What will you do if I try to make an appointment or I already have an appointment?

We will ask you if you are self-isolating at present or have been diagnosed with Covid-19.  If you are self-isolating or have Covid-19 symptoms and your call is about anything other than an emergency we will ask you to call back once you are well enough for us to visit.

What about gas and electrical safety checks?

Habinteg contractors will still be attending properties to carry out safety checks on your gas and electrical appliances. Please continue to ensure that access is provided when requested, and remember to let us know if any one in your household is affected by the virus. This will enable us to liaise with our contractors to ensure that they take appropriate steps to carry out the checks safely.

Do I have to give contractors access to my home?

If you are concerned about access, please contact us immediately after you receive an appointment as we may be able to make alternative arrangements or delay the appointment.

If you are displaying symptoms of Covid-19, please notify us immediately, so that we can rearrange for another date. Please bear in mind that we have a legal duty to do the safety checks and we still do reserve the right to legally gain access if necessary

What if I need an emergency repair, how will I be safe if a contractor has to visit my home?

Our contractors are aware that they can only do works if they have personal protection equipment (PPE), follow social distancing guidelines, and thoroughly clean the area when they have finished work.

In order to maintain social distancing, they may ask you to stay in a separate room to where they are working whilst the works are carried out. We want to ensure you are kept safe from Covid-19, and that you are also kept safe in your home.

Are you planning to cancel any events?

Yes, we will be postponing or cancelling activities involving groups of people in line with Government guidance.

Do I still have to pay my rent during Covid-19?

The Coronavirus (Covid-19): Guidance for Landlords and Tenants issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, has stated that there will be no rent holidays for tenants. This means that tenants are expected to continue to pay their rent during Covid-19 period. Find out how you can pay your rent here.

What if I can’t pay my rent because of income changes due to the virus?

Please call our income recovery team for advice on 0300 365 3100 as soon as possible. We understand that peoples circumstances are changing at the moment and we will work with you if you are having difficulties paying your rent.

We are expected by Government not take legal action during this time unless there are exceptional circumstances. However, if you fail to pay your rent, and have not made contact with us, we will need to take future action following the crisis.

Remember that if you need to you can view an up to date rent balance via the Tenant Portal here on our website. There also is some useful information on special arrangements for claiming benefits at the DWP website here. There is also specific advice on Universal Credit here.

 

Health matters and staying safe

What is happening where I live to help keep tenants safe?

All communal schemes should have the Government/NHS poster displayed and we have put extra measures in place for cleaners to concentrate on handles, grab rails and other high traffic surfaces in shared areas.  We are also making sure we have plenty of soap available in our communal areas and toilets. Please use it.

Where we know residents are particularly vulnerable and in receipt of care, we are taking steps to consult with any known care providers and speaking with our Local Authority partners to agree if Habinteg need to take any additional steps to help manage the spread of the virus.

How can I avoid catching or spreading germs?

The NHS advise there are things you can do to help stop germs like Covid-19 spreading.

Do

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• Put used tissues in the bin straight away
• Wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
• Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• Always wash your hands when you get home or into work
• Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell

Don’t

• Touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean

What should I do if I think I or someone in my house has Covid-19?

Government guidance states that you and everyone in your household should isolate at home for 14 days. The key symptoms to look out for are:

• a high temperature
• a new, continuous cough       

Do Let Habinteg know straight away if you have to do this as we will have to tailor our service to you.

Do NOT Go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.

Do NOT Contact 111 to tell them you’re staying at home.

Use the NHS 111 online service if:

• you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home
• your condition gets worse
• your symptoms do not get better after 7 days

Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.

Guidance on what to do if you’re self-isolating at home is available from the government's website.

 

Useful further advice

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-people-with-confirmed-or-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection

 

Click here to visit our Covid-19 hub.