Council housing standards
Moving in to a council home - what to expect
To help you enjoy your new home we make sure that it is clean and everything is in good working order when you move in.
Outside
You should expect that:- paths, inspection chamber covers, and porches will be safe
- windows and doors will be secure and work properly
- you must be able to open a window in each room. (A minimum of two window keys will be provided, where necessary)
- glazing will be intact and meet the relevant British standards
- dividing fences between properties will be defined, but maintenance will be your responsibility
- the front and rear garden will be free from rubbish, broken glass and sharp objects
- hedges and trees will be cut back and gardens tidy
Inside
You should expect that:
- existing gas, electric, water and smoke detecting appliances and systems will be safe and in working order
- all plumbing will be in working order with valves and waste pipes installed for a washing machine, where possible
- kitchen fittings and fixtures will be safe. A single drainer, sink unit, double base unit and worktop will also be provided
- there will be a space for a washing machine and fridge
- either an electric or gas cooker point will also be available
- wall tiles will be in place for splash backs and these will be intact
- no dampness or mould will be visible in the property
- ceilings and walls will not have any major visible defects
- polystyrene ceiling tiles, or similar fire hazards will be removed
- the loft space will be cleared
- any mobility adaptations will be safe and secure
Cleaning Standard
We will:
- remove all cobwebs
- remove all drawing pins, sticky tape, and Blu tack from walls
- clean all electrical sockets, light fittings and switches
- clean all kitchen units, work surfaces, cupboard drawers and the sink
- clean all bathroom sanitary ware and remove all limescale
- clean toilets - back, front and around the U bend - and disinfect the floor
- clean and wash down internal windows, frames and sills
- clean all external and internal doors including door frames and architraves
- clean radiators front and back (as far as possible)
- sweep, clean and wash down all skirting boards
- clean all tiled areas
- sweep and mop all floors and try to remove scuff marks and paint splashes
- deodorise all rooms - leaving air fresheners in the kitchen and bathroom
- fit a new shower curtain where needed
- replace all WC seats and leave with polythene wrapping
Decoration
If the property is in a poor state of decoration we will give you vouchers as a contribution towards your redecoration costs.
After you've moved in
We will get in touch to check you are happy with the condition of your new home. We will also ask you a few questions as this helps us improve the service we offer our tenants.
Fittings and fixtures
Sometimes we may leave things like electric showers, sheds or carpets if they have been provided by the previous tenant and we consider them to be in a good, serviceable condition. We will check with you first before leaving these items. You will become responsible for maintaining or replacing these in the future if you decide to keep them.
Standards only apply to empty properties
These standards apply to empty properties only and do not apply to properties where a mutual exchange takes place.
In the case of a mutual exchange the property is taken & accepted 'as seen' by the incoming tenant.
Key contact numbers
We hope you enjoy your new home. Please don't hesitate to contact us at once if you have any problems. Report repairs using our online form.
Here are some key numbers for you:
- Home Choice Team - Tel: 01483 523014, email: homechoice@waverley.gov.uk
- Housing Management - Tel: 01483 523169, email: housing.management@waverley.gov.uk
- Housing Benefits - Tel: 01483 523275, email: housingbenefits@waverley.gov.uk
- Repairs and Maintenance - Tel: 0330 119 3000, email: housing.repairs@waverley.gov.uk
You can also download this information as a leaflet: Welcome to your new home
Calls may be recorded for training or monitoring purposes.Page owner: Chris Slade. Last updated: 03/02/2012 14:03
