Tenant in row over carpet and plant pots

A flat tenant is locked in a row with a housing firm about health safety rules that mean he has to rip up his carpet and get rid of his plastic plant pots.

Arwel Owen spent £300 replacing the grimy red carpet in the communal area of his maisonette in Crookhay Lane, West Bromwich, when he moved in about 18 years ago.

But Riverside Housing, which manages the flat, has now told him it poses a fire hazard and it will have to go. They have warned him that either he removes it or they will.

He has also been told his plastic plant pots are too much of a fire risk and will have to be replaced with stone ones or be thrown away.

"I think it is downright stupidity I am really annoyed about it," said the retired 60-year-old.

"They have said the carpet has to come up and if I don't do it, they will send someone to do it for us.

"You spend money to make the place look nice and then they do this. It is a disgrace."

Last year Riverside Housing decided to change Mr Owen's doorbell against his wishes.

The tenant had fitted his own doorbell, which had a loud chime, when he first moved in but the firm decided it would change it to a standard one when they carried out a refurbishment of the property.

Mr Owen said he replaced the carpet in the communal area of the flat because it was dirty. The firm has not said how long he has until they cut up the carpet themselves.

Sandwell Councillor Olwen Jones, who covers Wednesbury South, is backing Mr Owen.

"What is required here is a bit of common sense," she said. "If Mr Owen has taken the time to replace the carpet then Riverside Housing should be grateful.

"As for the door bell, they should understand that some residents can't hear a standard chime."

Riverside spokeswoman Sandeep Kaur said: "While we are keen to ensure common sense prevails we are also responsible to ensure the buildings comply with fire safety regulations."