lettable and returnstandards

Your guide to

Our aim is to provide for our customers, a high standard and well-presented home that is safe, functional and clean.

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tomer Approved

Jargon Free✓

2 Your guide to lettable and return standards

The purpose of this booklet is to:

• definethestandardofaccommodationthatour customers can expect when taking a new tenancy, and

• highlighttheconditionthatweexpecttheproperty to be in when it is handed back to Stockport Homes at the end of the tenancy.

Our aim is to provide for our customers, a high standard and well-presented home that is safe, functional and clean.

In general:1. Thefirstimpressionsthatcustomershaveofour

properties are of high importance and value to Stockport Homes.

2. The property will be in good repair, free from damp, mould, wet rot, timber decay or infestation and outstandingrepairs(unlessspecified).

3. The property will be clean, tidy and secure.

Introduction

3Your guide to lettable and return standards

4. An electrical safety check will have been completed. A copy of the electrical safety document will be given to you.

5. There will be no old mail or flyers left behind the door.6. A welcome pack will be provided containing a variety of

essential and useful items.7. The property will have a radiator or heater in each

habitable room (living rooms, bedrooms, and bathroom).Ourspecialistheatingcontractorwilltestthe heating system to make sure it works correctly when you move in and to explain to you how it works.

8. Doors and windows will be watertight and open and close with ease.

9. Windowsfirstfloorandabovewillhavesafetyrestrictorsfitted.

10. The water supply will be free from leaks.11. Living rooms and bedrooms will have curtain battens

fittedabovethewindows.12. Cold water will be available at all taps (unless it has

beenturnedoffatthemainstoptap).Hotwaterwillbeavailable once the heating system has been turned on and tested.

13. All visible plaster work will be intact and prepared ready for redecoration.

14. Stairs, balustrades and handrails will be safe and secure.15. The property will be cleared and free from rubbish ready

for you to move in.

“The property will look in good order and be clean, tidy and secure.”

4 Your guide to lettable and return standards

In general

16. Lightfittingswillbeprovidedineachhabitableroom.17. At least two power sockets will be available in the living

room and one in each bedroom.18. Stockport Homes will remove polystyrene tiles and

prepare surfaces ready for redecoration.19. Where a property has been adapted for customers

with additional needs, for example, providing grab rails or a stair lift, we normally try to retain the feature so thatanothercustomercanbenefitfromit.Ifthereisno demand for the adaptation then we may remove it rather than maintain or repair it.

20. Alldoorlockstothefrontandrear(whereapplicable)will be replaced with new before you move in. A minimum of two keys for each lock will be provided. We do not replace communal door entry locks, but you will be provided with at least one key or fob for each door.

21. Theentrancedoortoyourpropertywillbefittedwithfurniture and numerals.

22. Any damaged vent covers will be replaced.23. Nails, screws and rawl plugs left behind in walls or

ceilings will be removed.24. Intruderalarms(wherefittedbyStockportHomes)will

beoperational.Ifyoucannotuseyouralarmorfindthatyou cannot activate it, please report this to the Repairs Contact Centre on 0161 217 6016.

“All door locks to front and rear will be replaced before you move in.”

5Your guide to lettable and return standards

1. Bathroomsandkitchenswillhavesecurelyfittedandfixedwashablefloorcoverings.

2. Carpets may be left if they are in excellent condition, which you will become responsible for. Please discuss thiswithyourAreaHousingOfficeorduringtheaccompanied viewing.

3. Floors will be free from structural defects, holes and trip hazards.

1. The number of kitchen units provided may be limited due to the space available, although a minimum of three single units, including the sink and sink top will be fitted.Atleastoneworksurfacewillbeprovided.

2. A space will be provided where possible, for a fridge / freezer.

Floors

Kitchen

6 Your guide to lettable and return standards

Kitchen

3. A space will be provided where possible, for a washing machine,includingplumbinganddrainage.Ifspaceislimited in the kitchen we may try to make additional space available in cupboards outside of the kitchen area. You will need to arrange to have your washer connected to the services by a plumber.

4. A cooker space will be available and a minimum of one typeofcookingfacility(electricorgassupply)willbeprovided. Please note however, that you will need to arrangeforthecookertobeconnectedbyaqualifiedelectrician / Gas Safe engineer.

5. There will be at least two double electrical sockets available for kitchen ‘above worktop’ appliances.

6. Although we try and create spaces for appliances in standard sizes, this may not always be possible. Sizes should always be checked when viewing. Please note thatnarrowwhitegoodscanbepurchasedtofitlimitedopenings.

7. Tapswillbefittedinmatchingpairsandinfullworkingorder.

8. Atleastonerowofsplashbacktileswillbefittedaboveall worktops.

“Tapswillbefittedinmatching pairs and in full working order.”

7Your guide to lettable and return standards

1. Bathrooms will have a toilet, bath and / or shower and a wash hand basin.

2. Levelaccessshowers(iffitted),willnotbetakenoutand replaced with a bath.

3. All toilets will be clean and sanitised.4. Windowswillbefittedwithfrostedobscureglassfor

privacy.5. Where there is a shower installed, a new shower

curtain will be provided for you.6. Baths and basins will have clean, mould free sealants.7. Plugs and chains will be in place.8. Atleastonerowoftileswillbefixedabovebasinsand

baths.9. Tapswillbefittedinmatchingpairsandinfullworking

order.10. Anextractorfanwillbefitted,unlessthereisa‘home

ventilation unit’ already installed.

Bathrooms

8 Your guide to lettable and return standards

External

1. Gullies and grids around the property will be clear and free from obstruction. Grid covers will be left in place.

2. Perimeter paths around the property and leading to the front door will be free from trip hazards (for example, missingflagsortriphazardsgreaterthan2cm).Repairsmay be completed after start of tenancy.

3. Boundaryfencing(thatabutsapublichighway)andgates(whereapplicable)willbeingoodcondition.Repairs may be completed after the start of tenancy.

4. Gardens(notcommunal)willbetidywithbushestrimmed if overgrown.

5. Communal gardens that are subject to a service charge will be maintained by Stockport Homes, and shall be cut, trimmed and tidied at regular intervals. A member ofstafffromtheAreaHousingOfficewilldiscussthiswith you prior to signing for the property.

6. Gutters and down pipes will be intact and fully functional.

7. The roof will be watertight. Missing tiles may be replaced after the start of your tenancy providing there are no leaks.

8. Clothes posts and clothes line brackets will be maintained if already provided.

9. Rubbish left around the property or in sheds may be cleared after the start of your tenancy, providing it is not a hazard.

10. Electric and gas meter housings will be secure. Damagedcoverswillbereplacedandfittedafterthestart of your tenancy.

11. Sheds(ifprovidedbyStockportHomes),willbewatertight and functional.

9Your guide to lettable and return standards

1. We want you to be able to make your home your own. Stockport Homes may contribute towards the cost of decoration by providing vouchers, although this is dependent upon the condition of the existing decoration. YourAreaHousingOfficewilldiscussthiswithyouwhenyou view the property and explain how and where the vouchers can be used.

2. Extremely dirty wall or ceiling surfaces and décor stained heavily by nicotine will be painted, and if necessary stripped.

3. Decorating services can be provided at reduced rates. Please contact Technical Services for further information on 0161 218 1281.

4. Stockport Homes may be able to provide support or assistancefreeofchargeforsmallDIYtypejobswhenyoufirstmovein.YourAreaHousingOfficewilladviseyouwhat services we can support you with when you sign-up.

5. Youwillbeexpectedtofillinminorcracksandsmallholeswithfillerbeforedecorating.

6. All walls will be free from mould.7. Anygraffitiwillberemoved.8. Sheltered Schemes; decorations will be clean, torn paper

will be replaced to affected walls and any plastered surfaces will be painted as a minimum. Tacks, picture hooks, adhesive tape and pastes will be removed.

Decorating

10 Your guide to lettable and return standards

1. All windows will be clean on the inside.2. Window sills will be wiped down and free of dirt and

dust.3. Walls and ceilings will be free from grease, dirt and

cobwebs.4. All woodwork will be cleaned.5. Door handles and furniture will be cleaned and free

from dirt.6. Floors will be swept and mopped.7. Washable floors will be cleaned and paint splashes

removed.8. Radiatorsandfiresurroundswillbecleaned.9. Kitchen units, shelves and drawers will be cleaned and

free from dirt or grease.10. All tiled surfaces including grout will be cleaned and

free from mould.11. All sealants will be cleaned and free from mould.

Nicotine stained seals will be replaced.12. Toilet seats will be chemically cleaned or renewed as

appropriate.13. Bath / shower areas and wash basins will be clean. 14. Paths and gardens will be swept and free of litter.

Cleaning

11Your guide to lettable and return standards

Turning on your heating / hot water

You will need to arrange with your Neighbourhood Housing Officer,tohaveyourheatingandotherservicesswitchedon for when you move into your home.

Please note - it is essential that there is power available / credit on the meter for this to take place.

A Landlords gas safety record will be supplied for you after your heating and hot water has been turned on and tested (thismaybepostedontoyou).

Instructionsfortheheatingcontrolswillbeexplainedanda copy of the instruction manual provided if available.

The engineer will show you where the water stop tap is located should you discover a leak.

Note. with economy 7, properties will need to have two power supplies, one for normal use and one for off-peak use.

Any exposed gas pipes will be boxed in.

Smoke detectors will be checked and serviced.

Heating

It is extremely important that for your own safety, all your gas appliances are serviced annually. Once you are settled into your property you will need to allow access for Stockport Homes at least once each year to carry out this safety check.!

12 Your guide to lettable and return standards

To help you move into your new home more quickly, some repairs may be scheduled for completion after your tenancy has started. A full list of works will be agreed with you and appointments made for contractors to visit and carry out the work.

All mandatory works (gas and electrical checks as well as healthandsafetyrepairs)willbecompletedbeforeyoumove in.

Stockport Homes will advise you when you sign-up of any improvementworksduewithinthefirsttwelvemonthsofyour tenancy.

New tenancy repairs

“All mandatory works will be completed before you move in.”

13Your guide to lettable and return standards

AmemberofstafffromtheAreaHousingOfficewillvisit you around six weeks after your tenancy has commenced to make sure that you have settled in to the property. At this visit, Stockport Homes will try and assist in resolving any issues you may have.

Youwillalsobecontactedwithinthefirstweekofyourtenancy for us to offer any support and to check that your move has gone well.

A customer satisfaction survey will be completed with youbyamemberoftheAreaHousingOfficeduringtheintroductory tenancy visit.

Follow-up visits and customer feedback

“A member of staff will visit around six weeks into your tenancy.”

Follow-up visits and customer feedback

14 Your guide to lettable and return standards

Help with aids and adaptions may be available if required. Please discuss this withyourAreaHousingOfficeattheearliest opportunity.

Customers with additional needs

Our vision

“To deliver the best services to customers by being a great place to work.”

15Your guide to lettable and return standards

As a new customer you may need more information about our services. You can receive this from your Area HousingOffice(seecontactdetailsbelow)oryoucanrefer to your Customer Handbook.

East Area Housing Office1 Berwick ParadeNorthumberland RoadBrinningtonStockportSK5 8LQ

Tel: 0161 474 4732Email: east.area.housing@stockporthomes.org

West Area Housing OfficeBridgehall Community CentreSiddington AvenueAdswoodStockportSK8 8NR

Tel: 0161 474 4371Email: west.area.housing@stockporthomes.org

East Area Housing Office serves: Bredbury, Brinnington, Compstall, Covent Garden, Hazel Grove, High Lane, Marple, Marple Bridge, Mottram Street, Offerton, Romiley, Spring Gardens, Victoria Park and Woodley.

West Area Housing Office serves: Adswood, Bramhall, Bridgehall, Cale Green, Cheadle, Cheadle Heath, Cheadle Hulme, Councillor Lane, Davenport, Didsbury Road, Edgeley, Gatley and Heald Green, Larkhill and Shaw Heath, Reddish, The Heatons and Lancashire Hill.

Follow-up visits and customer feedback

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ABAccessing our services

This booklet gives you information about lettable standards.Ifyouwouldlikeacopyinlargeprint,Braille, on audio tape or CD, please contact the SocialInclusionTeamon0161 474 2860 or email: inclusion@stockporthomes.org

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