Stoke-on-Trent City Council warns of dangers of signing legal contracts with cold callers

Council tenants are being encouraged to think twice before signing legal contracts with cold callers who turn up on their doorsteps unannounced.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council has received a number of reports from residents who claim cold callers are tricking their way into their homes by implying they are from the council.

Once inside, they convince residents to pursue a claim against the council for housing repairs, promising compensation and encouraging them to sign a legal contract.

In a growing national trend, however, tenants who pursue housing repair claims, which are then defended by the council, are left out of pocket – and with a huge legal bill.

Councillor Chris Robinson, cabinet member for housing, planning, improvement and governance at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “We have received a number of reports of cold callers who are tricking residents into letting them into their homes by promising them compensation for housing repairs.

“While every tenant has the right to make a complaint or pursue a claim, we would strongly urge them to think twice and err on the side of caution before signing any legal contracts – especially ones which could leave you tens of thousands of pounds out of pocket.

“Please be vigilant when letting people into your homes. If someone has turned up without an appointment, make sure you ask for their ID, do not give them any personal details and do not sign anything you are not sure of.”

The council brought its repairs and maintenance service back in-house earlier this year as part of its commitment to raising housing standards in the city.

Cllr Robinson added: “By bringing our repairs and maintenance service back in house we are able to be accountable for all aspects of service delivery. We know from speaking to our tenants that we need to improve in some areas, and we are committed to making positive changes to ensure everyone can live in a decent home.

“We are now taking a ‘repairs done right first time’ approach but if tenants are still not happy with the service they have received then they have the right to make a formal complaint which we will take seriously and resolve the issue.

“Please let us help you by coming to us first. We can make sure all work is carried out quickly and efficiently and we can even compensate individuals who have experienced unreasonable delays where necessary.”

To speak to someone about a housing issue, visit: Complain about a housing issue | Complain about a housing issue | Stoke-on-Trent