Lettable standard
All our homes are let to our ‘lettable standard’, which was developed with customers.
Before we let our homes, we make sure they are clean, safe, secure and in reasonable repair. We will also let you know if there are any planned repairs or improvements to your new home.
It is the right of every tenant to live in a home that meets the Decent Homes Standard.
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Clean
We will:
- clean kitchen units and worktops
- wash down all paintwork
- clean any internal windows
- clean and disinfect sinks, toilets, baths and wash basins
- sweep and clean all floors
- clear away any rubbish, including that in gardens, outbuildings and communal areas – during periods of bad weather we may do this after you have moved in
- remove any sheds or outbuildings that are unsafe
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Safe
We will:
- complete gas and electrical safety checks and give you a copy of the safety certificates
- repair or replace missing or unsafe flooring and floor treads on stairs
- repair or replace missing or damaged handrails
- remove polystyrene ceiling tiles
- replace missing or damaged glazing
- check for asbestos and take action to remove it or make it safe if necessary
- remove alterations or fixtures and fittings that we think pose a health and safety risk
- give you the option of keeping any alterations if they can be made safe, provided you are happy to maintain them going forward
- remove garden ponds, unless there’s an environmental need to keep them
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Secure
We will:
- change door locks wherever possible and give you at least two keys for all locks, including lockable windows
- install a battery or a hardwired smoke alarm
- make sure any rear gates are safe and secured with a bolt
- replace missing fencing that forms a boundary between your home and open land such as railway lines or canals. Unsafe fencing or gates between homes will be removed and will normally be replaced as part of our fencing programme
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Reasonable repair
We will:
- complete major structural works before you move in
- ensure doors and windows open and close correctly
- ensure kitchen and bathroom fittings are usable and fit for purpose
- maintain washable floor coverings in kitchens and bathrooms if already provided
- ensure that there is a either a gas or electrical cooker supply
- supply washer connections for washing machines where possible
- ensure all plumbing is working properly
- ensure gullies and grids are clean and free from obstruction
- explain how to operate the heating system
- ensure visible plaster work is in a reasonable condition
- ensure that your home is wind and weather tight
- ensure any gardens are given to you in a manageable condition – during periods of bad weather, we may have to carry out maintenance after you have moved in
Moving in
Once you have signed your tenancy agreement, we ask that you move in straight away. Your tenancy officer will arrange to visit you within the first few weeks to check you’ve settled in fine.
If you’re unable to move in straight away, please let us know. If you don’t move in straight away and receive benefits, your benefit payments could be delayed, and you may fall behind with your rent.
Central heating test
Once you have moved in, we will need to test your central heating to make sure it is working correctly. Please contact us to make an appointment.
Electrical testing following a ‘dead test’
We may need to do a second electrical test after you have set up an account with an electricity provider. Please contact our Voids team on 01902 552886 if your electricity provider has reinstated power to your meter, and we will be able to reconnect your electrical supply.
Decorating
You should read our page on home improvements before making any changes to your new home. Decorating vouchers are available in exceptional circumstances. We will let you know if you are eligible.
Easing doors
If any of your doors need easing after having carpet fitted, you will need to arrange this yourself.
Home contents insurance
We recommend you take out home contents insurance as soon as possible after moving in.