Lettable property standards

Homes will always be safe and secure:

• All external locks will be changed including outhouses and stores
• Minimum 2 sets of keys will be supplied at sign up
• External doors will be secure, watertight, and fully operational
• Doors and windows will be secure
• Windows will open freely
• All handles and restrictors will be operational
• Window keys will be present
• Broken glazed units will be replaced
• Security lights will be supplied and fitted where appropriate for sheltered accommodation

Kitchens will be in good workable condition and hygienically clean:

• There will be a suitable amount of worktop space and units, appropriate for the number of bedrooms in the property and suitable to the size and layout of the kitchen
• All door and drawer units will be adjusted to open and close freely
• All internal shelves to units will be present and secure
• The plumbing and stop cock will be effective and accessible
• Suitable floor covering will be fitted and in good condition
• Worktops will be clean and hygienic and free from major damage
• The sink will be clean and free from rust and stains
• Scratching in stainless steel sinks is acceptable, small dents are passable but unsightly large dents are not
• Plug and chain will be fitted to sink
• Taps will operate easily and be labelled hot and cold
• Where space allows there will be provision to site a fridge, washing machine and cooker
• Appropriate splashbacks (tiles, aqua boards, etc) will be provided behind sink and cooking area
• A cold feed and waste pipe will be supplied for a washing machine
• A gas or electric point will be supplied for a cooker

Bathrooms will be in good workable condition and hygienically clean:

• The plumbing will be effective and accessible
• All toilets will work properly, easy to flush, no cracks, and securely fixed
• The toilet seat will be renewed, unless already in very good condition
• Any damaged silicone seals will be renewed
• Plug and chain will be fitted to sink
• Appropriate tiling or alternative splashback will be fitted to the rear of the basin and bath area
• Suitable floor covering will be fitted and in good condition
• A hot and cold-water supply will be provided to the wash hand basin, bath, and shower where fitted
• Taps will operate easily and labelled hot and cold
• Where a shower is left in situ appropriate tiling or alternative splashback will be in place

Homes will be in a good condition of general repair prior to letting:

• Walls will be de-nailed and any holes filled
• Stair treads will be free of nails, etc
• Loose floorboards, stair treads, balustrades and risers, handrails will be secured
• Skirting boards, architrave, internal doors, and windowsills will be replaced or repaired
• Any wires and cables will be tied back and secure
• A television aerial point will be available in sheltered schemes and flats, but not in houses

Homes will be clear and cleaned to a reasonable standard prior to letting, with the kitchen and bathroom having had a full hygienic clean:

• Clear of all goods, possessions, debris, and rubbish
• Free from vermin and insect infestation
• Fully cleaned prior to letting, all surfaces wiped down and hygienic
• Any areas of mould will be removed and treated
• Deep hygienic clean to kitchen and bathroom (particularly sanitary units)

External areas will be clear of debris and in a manageable condition:

• Sheds or outbuildings in an unsafe condition will be removed, where in useable condition a shed may be gifted to the new tenant with their consent (but will not be the council’s ongoing responsibility)
• Where needed and possible, hedges and trees will be cut back to a manageable level and all debris cleared away. Grass areas will be trimmed back
• Dangerous, dead, or diseased trees will be removed
• External boundaries, fencing and walls adjacent to the public area (pavement or alleyway) will be installed or replaced where required
• If we're responsible, we'll mark any boundaries for the property
• Footpaths (within the boundary) providing essential access and egress to the property will be repaired

Homes will be prepared ready for decoration:

• The property will be prepared for decoration for the incoming tenant
• All walls and ceilings will be free from cracks, holes, mould and defects and prepared ready for decoration
• Where dark paint has been left or there is new plaster, walls will be given a mist coat to help prepare the surface for decorating
• Windows, UPVC frames, sockets and switches will be free from paint
• Wallpaper and textured surfaces will be assessed - if heavily damaged remedial work will be undertaken