Section 1: Definition of a complaint
Code provision 1.2
Requirement
A complaint must be defined as: ‘an expression of dissatisfaction, however made, about the standard of service, actions or lack of action by the landlord, its own staff, or those acting on its behalf, affecting a resident or group of residents.’
Do we comply?
Yes
Evidence
Our Council Housing Complaints Policy.
Commentary / explanation
Section 3 of our Policy.
Code provision 1.3
Requirement
A resident does not have to use the word ‘complaint’ for it to be treated as such. Whenever a resident expresses dissatisfaction landlords must give them the choice to make complaint. A complaint that is submitted via a third party or representative must be handled in line with the landlord’s complaints policy.
Do we comply?
Yes
Evidence
Our Council Housing Complaints Policy.
Commentary / explanation
Point 3.2 of our Policy.
Code provision 1.4
Requirement
Landlords must recognise the difference between a service request and a complaint. This must be set out in their complaints policy. A service request is a request from a resident to the landlord requiring action to be taken to put something right. Service requests are not complaints, but must be recorded, monitored and reviewed regularly.
Do we comply?
Yes
Evidence
Our Council Housing Complaints Policy.
Commentary / explanation
Point 4.1 of our Policy.
Service requests are logged on to our CRM system and passed to the appropriate team.
Code provision 1.5
Requirement
A complaint must be raised when the resident expresses dissatisfaction with the response to their service request, even if the handling of the service request remains ongoing. Landlords must not stop their efforts to address the service request if the resident complains.
Do we comply?
Yes
Evidence
Our Council Housing Complaints Policy.
Commentary / explanation
Point 4.2 of our Policy.
Code provision 1.6
Requirement
An expression of dissatisfaction with services made through a survey is not defined as a complaint, though wherever possible, the person completing the survey should be made aware of how they can pursue a complaint if they wish to. Where landlords ask for wider feedback about their services, they also must provide details of how residents can complain.
Do we comply?
Yes
Evidence
Our Council Housing Complaints Policy.
Commentary / explanation
Point 4.3 of our Policy.
