Apology follows raid bill threat

BILL threat . . . Rani Begum, right, and her family, from left, Zain Khan (12), Inayah Khan (7), Jamelle Khan (13), husband Abdul Quddus and Deen Khan (2)

A WERNETH mother-of-four has received an apology after being warned she faced a £400 bill when raiders smashed the back door of their rented home on the day of her mother’s funeral.

First Choice Homes Oldham originally told Rani Begum (36) and her husband Abdul Quddus (39) that if police couldn’t prosecute anyone for the break-in, the family would be liable. But after being contacted by the Chronicle, FCHO has apologised and admitted Mrs Begum would not receive a bill.

David Smith, customer first director at FCHO, said: “We received a request to review the decision. As a result we will not be pursuing a recharge. We apologise to Mrs Begum for any inconvenience.”

On December 12 intruders entered the house by smashing the glass back door.

The burglars were scared off and fled empty-handed and the door was repaied. But then a letter told Mrs Begum that all break-in damage is the tenant’s responsibility. But the tenancy agreement makes no mention of this and Mrs Begum consulted lawyers.

Ian Bowen of local firm Pearsons, said: “The idea a burglar might be a visitor is pretty absurd. A visitor must be a lawful visitor.

“The responsibility to keep the structure and exterior of the building lies with the landlord unless the tenant or the tenant’s lawful visitor does the damage.”