Posted By Matt Should residents of sheltered accommodation be entitled to use door chains on their flat doors? Up until now our view has been that residents be discouraged from using them in case the scheme manager needs to access the flat in an emergency call, for example the resident has fallen and has pressed their personal alarm. However, in light of a recent incident elsewhere in the country I am considering whether our policy needs to be changed. Options include; 1. Residents choose whether they have door chains fitted understanding the full implications and benfits of using them. 2. As above but they must not be used at night. (All schemes have additional security measures at night) 3. They are not used. To assist, I am asking other local authorities or housing associations what advice or policy they have in place on the use of door chains. Thanks in advance Matt

Posted By Ken Taylor All our sheltered residents are legally tenants and we regard them as being entitled to fit door-chains if they insist. The chains should not present any real problem for the emergency services and our staff would be able to obtain entry as suggested by Bryn.