When a new tenant moves into one of our homes we will make sure that any fencing and gates to the property are secure and in a good state of repair.
We will carry out future repairs to fencing or gates if they meet the criteria below.
In some instances we will renew/replace fencing. However, there is a set criteria to be met and you must meet one of these before we will replace or renew your fence or gate.
We will replace fencing or gates:
- If your garden adjoins a main road and you have children under 7years old living in the property listed as occupants.
- If there is a difference in levels in your garden or on the boundary of your garden that poses a risk to Health and Safety.
- If the existing fence or gate is in a condition where it poses a risk to Health and Safety and cannot be economically repaired i.e. where a fence is leaning out over a public footpath.
We will not replace fencing or gates:
- If there is already a boundary in place. We do not remove hedges, trees or bushes to install fencing and we will not install a fence or gates if you have removed hedges, trees or bushes.
- To dividing fences (a fence between your garden and your neighbour's garden) unless the request satisfies one of the above three criteria.
- If you have previously removed the fence or gate i.e. if you have removed a section of fencing to allow a vehicle to be parked in your garden. If you obtain permission to create a drive in your garden, you are responsible for altering the fencing and providing gates.
- To prevent pets (usually dogs) from entering or leaving your garden. Pets are the responsibility of their owner and they need to make sure that they are kept suitably under control.
- If you have a side gate (often called a ‘dog gate’) that is broken we will repair it if we can do so. We do not install or replace dog gates. If a broken dog gate cannot be repaired, we will remove it completely and make good any disturbed surfaces.
Sometimes, new fencing is installed to try and prevent or deter vandalism or Anti-Social behaviour by enhancing security. In these circumstances, the local area and neighbouring properties are considered at the same time. Often this type of fencing is installed to multiple homes not just single addresses.
We replace damaged fencing and gates in metal because it requires less future maintenance than wooden fencing and is less likely to be damaged or stolen. In some areas we replace fencing and gates in timber on a ‘like for like’ basis so that the appearance of the area can be maintained. All our metal fencing is galvanized steel and powder coated to a high specification to ensure that it is tough and long lasting.
As a general rule, we follow local Planning Guidance rules with regards the height of new fencing:
If you report a broken gate or fence to us that meets the criteria set out in this document, we will raise an order to one of our contractors so that they can carry out a repair.
If you request a new gate or fence, we will ask you questions to determine whether or not your request meets our criteria. If it doesn’t we will tell you there and then. If your request does meet our criteria then we will make a referral to our repairs team who will arrange for an assessment to be made. At the time the assessment is made, we will tell you what style and colour (if replaced in metal) the fence will be and offer you a choice if this is available.
Unless your request is assessed as being urgent, your gate or fence request will be added to a planned works list provided that it meets the criteria for renewal. We issue planned works to our contractors in large volumes and by doing it this way we are able to negotiate discounts with our contractors. Our aim is to complete planned fencing schemes within 90 days however we are currently experiencing delays due to a large number of requests for fencing.
Like all our policies, we will review the fencing and gates policy regularly. Whilst East North East Homes is committed to delivering Decent Homes to all our tenants and maintaining these in future years, it is recognized that fencing is a high priority to our customers and plays a big part in creating sustainable communities.
If you want to report a damaged fence or gate to us, you can do so by telephoning our Contact Centre on free phone 0800 9151600 or by emailing us, writing to us or telling us face to face at one of our local area housing offices. Click here to find out more about these options