Housing Associations

The complainant (Mr C) raised a number of concerns regarding the costs in remittance invoices of landscaping works, mistakes in invoices and the quality of information supplied by Thenew Housing Association (the Association).

Overview

The complainant alleged that Charing Cross Housing Association Ltd (the Association) had failed to identify and repair a potential leak above his flat over the last 7 years.

Specific complaint and conclusion

The complaint which has been investigated is about the alleged failure of the Association to identify and repair a potential leak above Mr C’s flat (not upheld).

Redress and Recommendation

The Ombudsman recommends that the Association continues to follow the current course of action they have communicated to Mr C in relation to the potential leak.

The complainant (Mr C) sought permission from Bridgewater Housing Association (the Association) to remove a bollard erected on a landscaped area at the rear of his home and to obtain a right of access or wayleave in order that he could park his car in his rear garden. Mr C's requests were considered but refused on policy grounds. The investigation found no evidence of maladministration or service failure.

The complainant raised a number of concerns in connection with his application to buy his home: that the Association took too long to complete the sale; that although the sale was dependant upon repairs being completed they too were delayed and that personal, confidential information was released to the complainant's solicitors without his prior approval

Complaint about Almond Housing Association Ltd - complaint was from a member of the public (referred to in this report as Mr C) that the Almond Housing Association (the Association) failed to redecorate his property after the installation of a new central heating system.

Shettleston Housing Association - complaint was from a woman (referred to in this report as Mrs C) about Shettleston Housing Association (the Housing Association). It concerned the way in which they dealt with her representations about the windows in her flat. She said that although she had been raising concerns about the condition of the windows since 2001, no effective remedial action was taken until the Housing Association eventually replaced them as part of a scheme replacement programme in 2005. She complained that the compensation offer ultimately made by the Housing Association was inadequate.

Irvine Housing Association - complaint was from Mr C who complained that Irvine Housing Association (the Housing Association) had failed in its responsibilities regarding the pruning of trees on the street outside his home. This he claimed led to overshadowing which affected his bedroom and patio and also caused problems with his television reception. Mr C was also concerned about the potential risks of large trees next to his home in high winds.

On 7 July 2005 the Ombudsman received a complaint from Mrs C about the decision of West Whitlawburn Housing Co operative Ltd not to pursue further her claim for compensation for damage to her wash hand basin.

Complaint about Clydebank Housing Association - complaint was from Ms C (the complainant) who complained that Clydebank Housing Association Ltd (the Association) had failed to maintain the communal areas to the front and rear of her house properly, and that they had not dealt appropriately with her representations on this matter.