Warning over cold callers offering council repairs

Investigations had even showed some problems such as damp and mould had been fabricated by the cold callers, officials said

Cold callers from legal firms are posing as council employees to get inside houses in part of Nottinghamshire, officials have warned.

Mansfield District Council said those involved were in fact from "no-win no-fee" solicitors.

Tenants of council houses were then being encouraged to open legal claims over repairs to their homes.

The authority said it was concerned vulnerable people were being targeted and could be left liable for costs, despite initial promises.

Hidden costs

The council said it had evidence of the callers implying they had been sent to inspect homes for repairs.

But this quickly turned into a pitch to sue for compensation under laws obliging landlords to carry out repairs within time limits.

The authority said it currently faced 108 such claims, but insisted few got to court as repairs were carried out - and tenants could themselves face costs hidden in the small print.

Simon Ford, head of housing repairs at the council, said: "Council officers would never just turn up on your doorstep, an appointment will always be made.

"We are very disturbed that these callers are gaining entry to the homes of sometimes extremely vulnerable and poorly tenants.

"The residents think they can win thousands in compensation with these claims, but most never get to court – usually because there is no case to answer.

"Sometimes our tenants can even incur costs themselves along the way which are hidden in the terms and conditions of their claim."