Our relet standards

We have a set of standards we follow when preparing a home for a new customer. You can find these outlined below, so you know what to expect when you move into your new home.

Clearance and cleaning

We will:

• remove all cobwebs, nails, pins, tape, blue tack and the like from walls
• clean electrical fittings
• clean kitchen units and worktops inside and out
• clean all bathroom fittings, such as toilets, baths and basins
• wash down all internal woodwork, such as doors, door frames, windows and skirting boards
• sweep all floors and stairs
• clean tiles surfaces
• remove shower curtains left by the previous tenant.

Decoration

We will:

• keep any existing decorations which are in a good state of repair and carry out basic redecorations where the property, or certain areas of the property falls below standard
• leave any minor indentations, holes and cracks that can be easily filled and check all visible wood and metal surfaces are in fair condition
• prepare and clean any surfaces that are not in a fair condition, to a standard which will allow for straightforward redecoration once you move in
• for elderly or vulnerable tenants with no sources of help available, we will complete any required redecoration
• determine the number of rooms that are in poor decorative condition and would be eligible for redecoration vouchers.

Fittings and fixtures

We will:

• leave all floor coverings that are clean and in good condition, unless previously agreed. These will be gifted to you.
• leave built-in cupboards, shelving, curtain poles and other fixtures and fittings in place if they are in good condition and will benefit you, unless previously agreed. These will be gifted to you.
• remove all free-standing white goods
• remove any other items left by the previous tenant, such as rubbish or furniture.

Lighting

We will make sure:

• there is a minimum of one ceiling light fitting in each room and install energy-saving light bulbs
• that all staircases have lighting (including in communal areas of flats and sheltered schemes).

Heating

We will make sure:

• All habitable rooms have a radiator or other source of heat.

Electrical safety

We will:

• Make sure all electrical installations are working correctly and safely
• Make sure there is at least:
  • three double sockets in the lounge and master bedroom
  • two double sockets in other bedrooms
  • four double sockets in the kitchen.
• Ensure there is a smoke detector in the lounge, hall and landing, as well as a heat detector in the kitchen.
• Provide an electrical safety certificate at sign up.

Gas safety

We will:

• Make sure there are no gas leaks at the property
• Make sure the boiler is safe and ready to use
• Safely cap off any gas cooker point
• Provide a gas safety certificate at sign up.

Kitchens

All kitchens will have a minimum of the following units:

• 1 x sink base unit
• 1 x 900 wide floor base unit
• 1 x 1000 wall unit

We will:

• Securely fix all work surfaces and make sure they are free from deep scratches, cracks and burns
• Provide space for a cooker with a suitable connection point
• Make sure there is a food preparation area
• Make sure there are at least four double sockets
• Provide adequate space for a fridge and washing machine with supply points.

Bathroom

We will:

• clean toilets, baths and washbasins and make sure they are free from severe discolouration and damage
• make sure the toilet has a seat and cover in working order
• make sure baths and washbasins have working taps, plugs and chains
• make sure any showers that we provide are safe and functional
• provide two rows of splashback tiles around the bath and washbasin and fully tile shower areas.

Windows and doors

We will:

• replace all broken panes of glass
• fit glass panels within 800mm of the floor with safety glass
• make sure all latches, locks, hinges and handles operate correctly and safely
• fit child restrictors on all windows on the first floor or above
• make all external doors and windows watertight
• change external door locks, except for in sheltered housing properties, and supply keys for external doors.

External areas

We will:

• remove all visible rubbish from properties with their own gardens
• clear gardens with grass and vegetation trimmed and removed from the property
• where no fence exists, we'll arrange for our response team to fit chainlink fencing and gates in place if needed to define the boundary
• leave garden outbuildings, sheds and decorative features from the previous tenant if they are safe and in good condition. These will be gifted to you, unless previously agreed.
• make sure the roof is structurally sound and watertight
• secure all downpipes and make sure they are free from leaks
• empty any permanent outbuilding
• make sure access to the property is safe and unrestricted.

Other checks

We will check that:

• there is hot and cold running water in the property
• all balustrades and handrails on staircases are safe and secure
• all floor surfaces are safe and secure
• the property is free from damp
• the loft is clean and empty
• we have provided a copy of the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for the property at sign up.