Hello again, I’ve got a question for you about exposure to strangers?
I’ve been notified by our council that they want to do an inspection of the electrical sockets in our flat. But as my OH has Chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia (CMML) and is vulnerable to infection/viruses and I am disabled I don’t want them in. There are almost 600 flats on this estate and there is plenty of other flats they can inspect, should I just ignore the letter or ring them and tell them to go elsewhere?
I can’t move furniture around for an inspection to take place and he’s up and down the hospital for treatment and tests and most of the sockets are impossible for me to get to without moving anything.
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Oh @Hellodolly what a dilemma and I have been thinking about your post.
I realise that you do not want them in.
They might have to legally have access if it is a safety inspection of electrics in a flat, I don’t know.
My very personal thoughts and remembering Covid times when somebody needed access to our flat.
Are you listed with the council as people with special needs, I am have been since Covid times.
Personally I always reply to correspondence and I would ring the council and explain your situation and the fact that your husband is currently on treatment and therefore has a weakened immune system and that you are disabled and ask for their help.
When access was required I wore a mask and moved from rooms as they required access.
Personally I would ask for help and say they you are unable to move furniture and ask that they move as required and return furniture to it’s place afterwards.
If it is a registered electrician you might consider contacting their trade association for help.
I would ask for a timed appointment too, so you are there and prepared.
These are my personal thoughts, but please do what you feel most comfortable with
Look after yourselves and please do let us know how you get on.
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Hi @Hellodolly
I’m still shielding so I understand how you feel.
Don’t ignore the letter give the council a call explain how clinically vulnerable and immunosupressed (hubby) and you are and you require that whoever comes to your house is fit and well and that they wear a mask and sanitise their hands.
Tell them neither of you can move furniture and you would like whoever comes to wipe over where they have been
I keep a supply of masks and antibacterial wipes if whoever comes doesn’t have any
As your both disabled you can request this as a reasonable adjustment
I have found everyone who has had to visit my house very accommodating.
I stay in my living room close the door and keep the main doors and windows open for air flow
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Hi @Hellodolly.
I can see you have already received good advice from @Erica and @2DB and I would reiterate what they have said.
I would hope the council would have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to ensure you are supported and stay safe.
Please let us know how you get on 
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Hi @Hellodolly
I hope you’re both doing well
You have been given good advice from everyone but I just wanted to confirm that there is likely a legal imperative for your landlord to inspect your electrics and heating etc so you may have no choice but to let them visit
I would speak to them explain your situation and explain you will need some reasonable adjustments to get this done
I work with people with complex needs and find landlords are usually really open to working with you to get things done
Take care
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