Hounslow Homes, the mysterious vanishing replacement windows and a bit of a rant.
I have done a search on this site and have found all the Hounslow Homes material a bit impenetrable, so apologies if I am duplicating something here. I did gather that I'm not the only one who is unsatisfied with their services.Long story short: there is a gale blowing through my (ex-council) flat due to rotten window frames for which (as windows are an external feature) HH has reponsibility. They said they'd replace them and have run out of money. The proposal of window replacement as part of that year's major works was made so long ago that I'll now have to do a bit of research to see if I've already paid for it (gulp).All the other flats on the estate (except for our small block) have had their windows replaced as part of the promised major works scheme. When the contractors left and showed no signs of returning, I began the protracted process of trying to get someone from HH to respond to my questions about the mysterious vanishing replacement windows. First I was told that replacement windows had never been planned for my block (despite loads of correspondence from them to that effect, plus their engineer having measured my windows last year for said replacements). I eventually I got the following response:"The windows at your block were initially programmed to be replaced this financial year. Unfortunately, due to financial cut backs, all unprogressed works have been frozen. There is no money to do them now, and sadly I cannot say when they will be done. Maybe 2007/8 financial year."The really infuriating thing is that the proposal for this year's major works includes decoration! They will now ask me for more money to pay to paint the hall, when, apparently "all unprogressed works have been frozen." And don't you think if you were replacing your windows you might consider having your walls painted AFTER the windows were in? So, if anyone feels they can contribute to my understanding of this situation, please feel free to help me answer the following questions. What are my chances (in reasonable, practicable terms) of compelling HH to replace the windows (as I believe they are contractually obliged to do)? I fear that the present (and deteriorating) state of the windows will compromise my ability to sell or rent the flat in future. If HH are responsible for maintaining the exterior of the building but are refusing to do so, what can I do? Can I refuse to pay for the decoration? And what if (I dread to look into the invoices) I've already paid for the windows? Am I entitled to get my money back?My elderly friend and neighbour (who is a council tenant) has the same rotten windows and doesn't even have access to the hall which will be "decorated" so she doesn't benefit at all. Aren't they at least obliged - as her landlord - to do something for her and her freezing flat?I know this might sound like I'm overreacting, but they have already tried to pretend that no such works were planned, as if I imagined it all. Their afterthought of "maybe 2007/8" doesn't reassure me one bit.And by the way, why don't they have voicemail facilities on their Home Ownership phone extensions? The phone rang and rang whenever I phoned. I rang other extensions and eventually spoke to someone and left messages for the appropriate person, whom I later found out had left the department, so my messages were going to, er, no one.Well, if nothing else I've got that off my chest. Cheers.
Nancy Newland ● 6668d2 Comments