Tenancy Management Policy May 2024

In most Council homes there will be a hatch providing access to the roof space or loft, these are for authorised use only by Council staff and contractors. Tenants are not permitted to access or store possessions in the roof space for several reasons including but not limited to the following:

Ceiling joists are not designed to bear additional weight and the storage of possessions in the roof space may affect structural integrity.

• Loft insulation can be compacted by stored items which reduces its thermal efficiency. This can result in heat loss through the roof leading to increased energy costs and could increase the risk of condensation and black mould
• Stored items could restrict or hamper the air flow in the roof space which could increase the risk of condensation and black mould
• Stored items could restrict access to water tanks or cables in an emergency and could be a fire risk
• Unauthorised access could result in unintentional damage, for example to ceilings, ductwork, pipework or electrical cabling.

We accept no liability if you use the loft space and cause damage to any services such as electric cables, water pipes, ducting, insulation or ceilings, or for any damage or loss that may be caused to personal items, personal injury to yourself, any member of your household or any visitors. All costs associated with repairing any such damage will be recharged to the tenant. In exceptional circumstances the Council will give permission to use the loft space but you need to obtain our written permission beforehand and conform to our specifications.

If possessions stored in roof spaces are discovered the Council will work with the tenant and agree a reasonable timescale for the removal of items. This may hamper potential repair works and the ability to upgrade loft insulation until the items are removed.