Ruling on silverfish infestation case
Posted 03.08.22
Housing Ombudsman Service: Further reading
Metropolitan Thames Valley's failings in responding to a silverfish infestation at a resident's flat led to a finding of severe maladministration by the Housing Ombudsman.
The compensation offered by the landlord did not reflect the significant impact on the family by its failure to carry out adequate repairs to address the damp caused by the leaks which led to the continuing silverfish infestation.
The Ombudsman ordered the landlord to apologise to the resident for its failings and to pay her additional compensation of £1,800 for the distress and inconvenience caused.
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Changes for accessing Ombudsman service
Posted 10.08.22
Housing Ombudsman Service: Further reading
Changes to the Ombudsman's service are set to take effect from 1 October 2022, making it easier for residents to access its service if they remain unhappy with their landlord's final response on their complaint.
The 'democratic filter' is being removed after a change in the law.
Under the current process, if residents are unable to resolve their complaint through their landlord's complaints procedure they can contact a designated person who can help find a solution or refer it direct to our service. This is known as the 'democratic filter'.
If residents decide not to contact a designated person, the current legislation requires eight weeks to have passed before the complaint can be sent to the Ombudsman.
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