Is the lack of building security doors an issue?
Hi, I have purchased an apartment in a development by Fortis Group and is now being managed by Xenia Estates. Both main entrance doors to the building don’t have an automatic closing mechanism installed, and the door frames are jammed.
This means anyone can gain unauthorised access to the building 24/7. This has been the case from the very beginning due to bad workmanship, going back to January 2021, and numerous complaints and phonecalls have taken place to report this.
Most times no one calls back to address the concerns, and it’s now July. Apparently, Xenia Estates are now looking at quotes for repairs, even though they issued a letter back in March, advising that they’re instructing repairs.
I’d like to know if the lack of building security (doors), is an issue for the building insurance cover/provider or fire safety, and what action can I take as a leaseholder?
Thanks
Niko
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Member Since December 2019 - Comments: 35
3:08 PM, 12th July 2021, About 5 years ago
Hi Niko
Contact the environmental health officer of your local council. A security problem such as this is a Category 1 hazard and should result in an improvement notice being sent to the freeholder, 28 days to repair. This won’t cost you anything (to complain I mean!).
If the FH ignores the notice, the council can enforce the matter by doing the work themselves.
Hope this helps
Mike
Member Since July 2021 - Comments: 1
8:26 PM, 13th July 2021, About 5 years ago
Thank you very much.
Member Since October 2013 - Comments: 97
12:15 PM, 18th July 2021, About 5 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Mike in Worthing at 12/07/2021 – 15:08
Hi Mike,
Why is this considered as a category 1 hazard? I am not challenging what you said – just trying to understand the basis for this and your source of this information.
Regards,
Mervin
Member Since December 2019 - Comments: 35
12:49 PM, 18th July 2021, About 5 years ago
Happened to a friend. EHO’s have their own reasoning (which varies!). I’m not party to that. They’re supposed to use a standardised checklist, which may be available to the public – easy to ask.