Adapted property/ tree causing hardship.

cjazz

Myself and my wife moved into a housing association bungalow with a front garden around 18 months ago. My wife is registered disabled and I have mobility issues. The property is an adapted property and is suitable for disabled tenants, because it is an adapted property I thought that the maintenance would be easy for us.

The problem is that we have a humongous sycamore tree in the front garden which is causing a lot of problems, daily need to clean the driveway and footpaths, car needs to be cleaned everyday due to sap, leaves, seeds, broken sticks falling on the car, tree is blocking light coming into the front of the house, gutters downpipe and drains clogging.

I have spoke to the housing association if the tree can be removed (replaced with a more suitable garden type tree) or to trim the tree. I even said that I would arrange for a tree specialist to carry out the work and I would pay for it.

The housing association is being very uncooperative and informed me that they are happy with the tree and no work is to be carried out by the housing association or an independent company.

Because the property is an adapted property for disabled tenants is there anything I can do to get something done?

MW123

You might want to consider filing a complaint based on health and safety reasons. The presence of the sycamore tree poses potential risks to your well-being, especially considering your wife's disability and your mobility challenges. Concerns such as slippery paths caused by sap and the possibility of falling branches are genuine issues that could jeopardise your safety. Additionally, the tree's impact on blocked gutters and drains may result in dampness and water damage within the property, further underscoring the importance of these health and safety concerns. 

To address the situation effectively, it is advisable to keep records of any incidents or damages caused by the tree and accompany them with photographs. Afterwards, you should proceed to make a formal complaint to the housing association, outlining your specific concerns. It's crucial to emphasise the potential consequences for the association if one of you were to sustain an injury due to the tree, as they have been duly warned about the situation.

Kimmy87

I can see why they won't agree to removal of the tree, however having it trimmed isn't in any way unreasonable.

If you check the wording of your tenancy, is there anything about the tenant being responsible for garden maintenence?

If so point this out to HA that you would be acting within your rights and responsibilities. 

You could also take daily photos for a few weeks of path and car, plus point out there isn't an alternative parking spot for car etc.