Housing Executive tenants in Mid and East Antrim will face delays to move into new properties until a new contractor is appointed.
The contract with the Housing Executive's repairs contractor in the area came to an end on April 30, and a new one will not be appointed for a number of months, so that commencement of tenancy repairs and non-emergency work cannot be carried out.
The relative of someone currently on the housing waiting list in the Mid and East Antrim area, said that this is causing a lot of frustration as people are having to wait even longer than normal to move into a new home they are due to be allocated.
Read more: Proposal for new Dunmurry residential development at site of public bar facing criticism
Speaking to Belfast Live, they said: "This issue with the contractor has caused a lot of frustration for those who are on the housing waiting list and are unlikely to get a new property until September.
"My sister-in-law and her family are currently deemed homeless after their landlord sold their previous property and it is now looking like it could be months before they are able to move into a property, even if there is one available for them sitting empty.
"I know that there are dozens of housing executive properties in the Mid and East Antrim area that could be used by families, but until the new contractor is appointed they are stuck.
"This is going to have a huge impact on those waiting for a house over the coming months and it is disappointing that the contractor was not appointed sooner, as it would have saved many a lot of frustration and stress."
The Housing Executive has said that tenants may face some short-term delays in non-emergency repairs as a new contractor is appointed, but it is understood this includes tenancy commencement repairs which need to be carried out before a tenant can move into a new property.
From September 1, Combined Facilities Management (CFM) will fulfil the role of maintenance contractor in this area.
The Housing Executive has said that it has a long track record of providing maintenance and improvement services and their operatives will take the lead in delivering a full response maintenance repair service to tenants in the autumn.
However, in the interim period, there may be some delays in completing non-emergency repairs.
Meanwhile, services for urgent and emergency repairs continue as normal.
Housing Executive Area Manager for Mid and East Antrim, Candace Fenton, said: “It’s important that a new contractor is in place to assist us in providing an excellent service to our customers.
“Unfortunately, interruption in contracts may mean some services will face delays for a short, interim period.
“I understand some tenants may have concerns about the impact of this in the Mid and East Antrim area.
“However, we can reassure tenants that we’re working to lessen the length of time between contracts and we’ll continue to explore options to see if we can extend existing services.
“Tenants should continue to report all repairs to us as normal and we will keep the situation under regular review.
“If tenants have any concerns, our local office and Patch Managers are there to provide advice and guidance.”
READ NEXT:
West Belfast sewage works approved despite smell and noise concerns
Belfast Council to spend £72,000 on July Twelfth beacons this summer
New West Belfast social housing estate approved despite "being in middle of industrial site"
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
