Coronavirus (Covid-19) updates

This page will continue to provide up-to-date information about how our services are being affected during the current pandemic. Please revisit this page for the most relevant information.

UPDATE: 18 January 2022

Indoor visiting resumes

From today, indoor visits to Apex schemes are again being facilitated in line with guidelines from the Department of Health (DoH). We will continue to monitor and review on a weekly basis in order to keep all safe within our schemes.

We will continue to facilitate virtual/telephone visits if that is the preferred option for some.

UPDATE: 30 December 2021

Suspension of indoor visits to schemes

Unfortunately, as a result of the marked increase in Covid-19 cases within communities across Northern Ireland, indoor visits to Apex schemes will not be permitted until further notice. Exemptions to this will include care partners and tenants/residents receiving end of life care. This will be reviewed on a weekly basis and we will do all we can to return to normal visiting routines at the earliest opportunity.

We will continue to facilitate virtual/telephone visits until we are in a position to facilitate indoor visiting safely.

UPDATE: 1 June 2021

Home visits are back as COVID-19 restrictions are eased

Following the recent relaxation of Coronavirus restrictions, we are pleased to announce that home visits are resuming immediately.

To keep your household and our staff safe, we will complete a questionnaire 24 hours before calling your home to check your well-being and those living with you.

All visits will follow COVID-19 protocols, and staff will wear the appropriate PPE while in your home.

We ask, where possible, that tenants open windows to allow for a flow of air and maintain social distancing while staff are in your home.

UPDATE: 26 October 2020

Quarterly rent statements delayed

Quarterly rent statements due to be posted to tenants during October will be sent later in the winter, but any tenant interested in receiving a full breakdown of their rent account is encouraged to phone or email their housing officer at any time.

If you would like to speak to your housing officer, please phone Apex on 028 7130 4800. Alternatively you can email your housing officer directly or via [email protected].

UPDATE: 28 September 2020

Apex staff working from home

Following the recent public health announcements, the majority of our housing services team will be working from home - from Monday 28 September 2020.

Housing officers will use the most appropriate method of communication including by phone, text, email, or letter during this 'working from home' phase.

Home visits may be undertaken in exceptional circumstances. Before any home visit is arranged we will call you to ask a few questions and check on your health and the well-being of those in your household. All visits will be undertaken in line with our Covid-19 protocols.

Whilst our office remains closed to the public, some tenants may be invited to visit the office for essential appointments.

We will continue our current practice for 'new home sign-ups' being conducted, by appointment, in the office, and re-let sign-ups being undertaken at the empty property, adhering to our Covid-19 protocols.

Contacting us

You can your housing officer by phone on 028 7130 4800 (Monday to Friday 9am-5pm) or email [email protected].

In an emergency out of normal working hours please phone 0800 731 3081.

Home visits

Apex staff (and contractors) are now able to visit your home when required. Before any home visit is arranged, you will be contacted by telephone and asked a few questions about your health and well-being and that of those in your household. All visits will be carried out as quickly and as efficiently as possible. Anyone visiting you will wear appropriate PPE and maintain social distancing of at least 2m whilst inside your home.

Allocations

Following the easing of Government restrictions various elements of our allocations service have now resumed, including; offer letters, new build sign-ups and handovers, sign-ups for empty properties and direct exchanges.  Read more HERE.

Repairs

All repairs are now being carried out. You can log a repair through the online ‘report a repair’ form or phone 028 7130 4800.

Visiting our offices

Our offices remain closed to the public, however over the coming period some people will be asked to visit for essential appointments which must be pre-arranged with the appropriate Apex staff member. While in our offices we request that you adhere to guidance to comply with public health legislation and advice.

Visiting Apex schemes

Visiting to our schemes is now possible again; but new processes are in place to ensure visits are facilitated in a safe manner. Every Apex scheme has its own guidelines in place and you will be provided with these in advance of visiting. For any queries regarding visiting, contact the manager of the relevant scheme directly.

Financial worries

If your circumstances have changed as a result of Covid-19 and this is causing you financial worries, your housing officer will support you. Phone them on 028 7130 4800 or email them directly.

Quarterly rent statements

Quarterly rent statements have been delayed during the last year due to the pandemic, but any tenant interested in receiving a full breakdown of their rent account is encouraged to phone or email their housing officer at any time.

Play Parks

Apex play parks have now reopened. Deep cleans were undertaken and parks inspected to ensure they are safe and in good working order. If you plan to make use of your local Apex play park, you are asked to adhere to certain guidelines.