Cornerstone Housing Limited (202500987)

Background

1. The resident contacted the landlord and said that a tree was overhanging her parking space and she wanted it removed. She stated that the leaves and sap from the tree were causing damage to her car. The landlord’s tree surveyor assessed the tree and concluded that tree should not be removed.

What the complaint is about

2. The complaint is about the landlord’s decision not to remove a tree which was overhanging the resident’s allocated parking space.

Our decision (determination)

3. There was no maladministration in the landlord’s decision not to remove a tree which was overhanging the resident’s allocated parking space.

Reasons

4. The landlord’s tree management policy states that it will take action if trees are “dead, diseased, damaged or potentially damaging”. The landlord also has an environmental strategy which emphasises its commitment to a“greener world”.
5. The landlord responded promptly to the resident’s reports that the tree was causing damage to her car. It arranged an inspection to assess whether the tree was damaged, diseased, dead, or could cause damage. This was appropriate and in line with its tree management policy.
6. The landlord’s tree contractor concluded that there was no reason for the tree to be removed. It was reasonable for the landlord to take advice from a qualified specialist regarding this. The landlord committed to ensuring that the tree was regularly monitored and maintained to ensure it remained safe. This was reasonable.
7. The landlord’s internal communication demonstrated it was committed to resolving the issues for the resident. It offered to allocate her a different car parking space or buy her a car cover. These were appropriate resolutions which showed it was trying to put things right.