Request from tenant for their autistic child?

Request from tenant for their autistic child?

9:23 AM, 17th March 2023, About 2 years ago 7

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Hello, Our tenants’ daughter is autistic and they have requested permission to install a ceiling hook for a sensory swing. We sympathise with their difficult circumstances but would like some help please with a few liability queries as landlords.

Do we have to agree to this?

If we agree to this what is our liability with respect to its maintenance in terms of regular load testing, for example.

Could we suggest an alternative of a swing on a stand?

For example, nursing homes prefer free standing equipment so there are not fixings that require proof load testing.

Thank you,

Julie


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Tim Rogers

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14:44 PM, 17th March 2023, About 2 years ago

I suspect cost is a factor in looking at a hook rather than a free standing arrangement. I think, but am not certain, (legal bods will know), that if they fit a hook or pay a professional to fit the hook it is their responsibility. However if you have it fitted, it becomes yours.

If you have no problem with the hook in principal, I'd insist it be fitted by an insured professional.

You could have the maintenance etc listed as their responsibility in or made a supplement to, the lease.

The other option is to only allow a free standing setup. If they are good tenants you might consider offering to help with the cost difference.

Reluctant Landlord

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15:05 PM, 17th March 2023, About 2 years ago

No you can refuse. personally I'd state a free standing set up would be best as no issues from insurance/maintenance /installation and anything that may arise further on as any liability could be assumed as you gave permission for installation.

Could they be eligible for council finding for one or will a charity hire or give them a freestanding one to use?

Jan

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15:22 PM, 17th March 2023, About 2 years ago

Presumably this is a house not a flat? Anything attached to the ceiling will need anchoring into a joist and in a flat it might be that the joists belong to the flat above or the freeholder. if it's a flat, check the lease for who owns/has responsibility for, which parts of the structure.

RoseD

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15:38 PM, 17th March 2023, About 2 years ago

Is it worth checking with your insurance provider as to their stance on this as presumably, as already mentioned, has a minefield of connotations.
As in most things, what seems a simple request, especially when you'd like to help provide a better life for anyone with a disability, could end up becoming a bigger problem.
A scenario....a temptation I'd say for anyone to want to have a little 'swing' not just the person it's been provided for. What if they have an accident that causes considerable injury?
Sorry to be a kill joy but think you've got to consider a lot of probabilities here. Maybe even consult a disability adviser/solicitor.

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12:58 PM, 20th March 2023, About 2 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Tim Rogers at 17/03/2023 - 14:44
I would treat it as their problem and refuse and not get involved. If they do it anyway then you can not be held responsible if any thing happens. I always err on the side of caution.

DPT

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17:20 PM, 20th March 2023, About 2 years ago

Ceiling rafters in a domestic property as not designed to accept that extra loading, so I would refuse and suggest a freestanding arrangement.

Julie Kirby

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13:29 PM, 21st March 2023, About 2 years ago

Thank you for your help. We have refused the request in favour of a free standing solution

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