The G15 Residents’ Group has responded to proposals to strengthen landlords’ legal powers to access homes for essential safety checks, supporting the need to protect resident safety while calling for stronger safeguards and accountability.
The response highlights concerns that missed appointments, poor communication, inaccurate contractor records and residents’ individual circumstances can lead to cases being incorrectly recorded as a refusal to provide access.
In its submission, the Group said:
“Residents should be treated as partners in achieving safe homes, not as obstacles to compliance.”
The Group stresses the importance of distinguishing between residents who are unwilling to provide access and those who face practical barriers or require additional support.
It calls for clearer evidence requirements, greater contractor accountability, improved communication and stronger protections for vulnerable residents before enforcement action is considered. The response emphasises that any changes to the law must support resident safety through fair, proportionate and transparent processes.