Repair and Re-let Standards 2010

The following standard which has been developed in consultation with residents, applies to the Association’s permanent properties to be re-let. The repair and re-let standards will be used in the following ways:

• Included with the sign up pack given to residents.
• Be available generally to residents.
• Be tested through the satisfaction survey sent to new residents following the start of their tenancy.  (To ensure there is a high level of satisfaction with the standard at which homes are re-let.)

The standard will not apply to those tenancies that occur through Mutual Exchanges where residents are responsible for the condition of the property they take over.  Gas safety checks will however be undertaken (as required under the Gas Regulations).

Clear guidelines will be provided to the members of staff on how the repair and re-let standard will be applied. 

The following standards should be applied to the Association’s properties. 

The approach adopted

The following approach is to be adopted in the management of re-lets:

• The Association aims to minimise the time that properties remain empty between tenancies.
• The Association aims to enable residents to move in as quickly as possible and with the least possible amount of disruption. 
• Where possible only essential work will be undertaken to the property before it is re-let.  Any minor and non-essential repairs will be undertaken when the resident is in the property.
• The Association will monitor the reasons for refusals for re-lets and consider if these reasons are attributable to the repair and re-let standard. 
• The repair and re-let standard will be amended to take account of the residents’ needs where possible, in particular where the resident is considered to be vulnerable. 
• The property must be let in a safe and secure condition, including the removal of vermin.

  Previous Residents Fixtures and Fittings

For safety reasons the Association will remove any portable appliances left by the previous occupant before the property is re-let.  The Association will also remove any furnishings, carpets or any other fixtures or fittings that are considered to be dangerous or damaged. 

The Association will leave any items considered to be safe and of a potential benefit to the incoming residents. 

Adaptations for Disabled People

A number of properties have been especially adapted to meet the needs of previous occupiers and where possible the Association will match the needs of applicants to the facilities available within the property. 

Ordinary Voids

• The gas installation and any fixed appliances will be tested and found safe.
• The electrical installation and any fixed appliances will be tested and found to comply with current electrical regulations.
• Front door lock change (general needs housing only).
• Property to be cleared of all existing items (unless a request has been received for items to be retained, e.g. carpets).
• Repairs to be carried out to the property to ensure the property is habitable and has fixtures and fittings in place, repairs can be completed once occupied where possible (e.g. double glazing units).
• Decoration by the Association will occur where required, particularly where the property has been damaged (i.e. in the case of an eviction or abandoned property). The property must be in reasonable decorative order, or capable of being readily decorated by the in-going residents.
• The property will be cleaned to a reasonable standard and this means free from litter, debris, excessive dust and dirt and discarded materials and equipment, including gardens, sheds, outbuildings and roof spaces.

External Works

• Any exterior works required will have been identified and forwarded to the Asset Management Team for inclusion in the planned/cyclical programme. Prospective residents will be informed of what this is.
• Any repairs that need to be undertaken before letting should be undertaken.
• Repairs to footpaths will be restricted to the front of the building.
• Fencing repairs will be undertaken only to mark out the boundary.

      where required. 

Keys

The following number of keys will be provided to tenants of a re-let property:

• 2 front door keys.
• 2 back door keys (if lock changed or as many as are inherited).
• 2 communal entrance keys.

(The number of keys for new developments may differ from the above.)

Repairs undertaken once the property is occupied

There is no limit on the number of repairs that can be undertaken once the property is occupied, however, the repairs will not be essential to the resident being able to move into the property. 

To view the Repairs and Re-let Standars 2010 click here