AQW 42765/11-15

Mr Paul Frew
Democratic Unionist Party
North Antrim

Tabled Date: 24/02/2015
Answered On Date: 06/03/2015
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Social Development what is the policy when a tenant in a Housing Executive property dies or moves permanently into full time nursing care; and what assessment is completed on the property and works are completed.

Answer:

The Housing Executive has advised that when it is made aware that a tenant is deceased the local Housing Executive office will check the property records to establish if anyone was living with the tenant. If so, the local Housing Executive office will investigate the potential for succession and request completion of succession application form if appropriate. If a succession is granted the person inherits the tenancy including the deceased tenant’s tenancy conditions.

If the Housing Executive records indicate that the tenant lived alone, staff from the local office will call to the property to establish contact with the next of kin to arrange vacant possession.

If the tenant goes into residential care on a long term basis and other member(s) of the household remain in the property and wish to become tenant(s), the Housing Executive will assign the tenancy to the household member(s) in accordance with the rules of the Housing Selection Scheme.

From a maintenance perspective the Housing Executive has an obligation to carry out an inspection to determine if there are any outstanding repairs necessary that are the responsibility of the Housing Executive and also to ensure there are no Health and Safety issues. Any outstanding repairs or Health and Safety issues, particularly with regard to heating appliances and electrical installation, would be carried out.