Seventy-five-year-old Bob Reed from Waterloo is embroiled in an ongoing dispute with One Vision Housing over asbestos concerns in his bungalow. Reed has alleged that his landlord’s failure to adhere to proper safety protocols during asbestos sampling has put him at risk.
Concern Over Asbestos and Landlord Response
Reed has lived on St Johns Road since 2016 and expressed his love for both his home and the surrounding area. However, a recent letter from One Vision Housing, sent through the law firm Brabners LLP, sparked outrage. The letter cautioned Reed against accessing the loft, suggesting he was putting himself and the property at risk.
The landlord’s communication read: “Your landlord requests that you refrain from inappropriately accessing and/or utilizing the loft space moving forward.” Reed described this warning as “absolutely laughable,” asserting that he only accessed the loft to document damage related to a roof leak that exposed asbestos.
Accusations and Claims
Reed claimed the only motive for his actions was to photograph the damage, which he believes has been caused by the landlord’s negligence. He expressed frustration over being prohibited from accessing his own loft and felt insulted by insinuations regarding offensive behavior towards contractors. As a former police officer, Reed highlighted his commendations and prior experience in managing anti-social behavior legislation, dismissing any allegations against him as offensive.
- Age: 75
- Residence: St Johns Road, Waterloo since 2016
- Dispute: Asbestos-related safety concerns with One Vision Housing
- Tenant since: 2016
- Letter date: October 8
Concerns with Asbestos Management
Central to Reed’s grievances are issues surrounding the handling of asbestos in his home. He questioned whether contractors followed proper safety protocols during asbestos survey work, citing the absence of personal protective equipment (PPE) among workers. Reed stated, “I believe they failed to adequately respond to a legitimate report and investigate a possible breach of regulations.”
One Vision Housing’s Response
A spokesperson for One Vision Housing defended their actions, stating that the communication to Reed pertained to unauthorized use and modifications within his home. They assured that health and safety were priorities, and clarified that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found their practices compliant after an investigation into Reed’s asbestos concerns.
Despite the HSE’s conclusions, Reed remained skeptical of the thoroughness of the investigation, stressing that no one inspected his property directly. He feels his situation illustrates a broader issue concerning tenant safety and the need for clear communication regarding asbestos management.
