Property Standards

Properties are required to meet the following minimum standards.

  • The property must be structurally stable and free from disrepair

  • The property must be free from damp

  • The staircase and balustrade must be safe

  • The property must have adequate fire alarms

  • Mains powered smoke detectors must be installed on each floor

  • Gas, solid fuel or oil service and safety certificates must be up to date. (Certificates close to expiry may not be accepted) Required at the handover stage

  • Electrical lighting and power installations must have been checked and certified safe by an appropriately qualified person

  • External doors and windows must give a reasonable level of physical security

  • If there is a garden it must be easy to maintain, reasonably private, safe, and suitable for young children to play in

  • The heating system must be EPC E or above (LA’s will advise on grants available to bring the property up to the agreed standard and/or to increase the EPC rating to a C)

  • External doors and windows must be adequately draught proofed

  • The hot water tank must be effectively insulated

  • There must be mechanical extract ventilation in the kitchen and bathroom

  • The kitchen should be in good working condition

  • The bathroom and WC facilities should be in good working condition

  • There should be a working shower (this can be an over bath shower)

  • We will provide white goods.

  • A CO alarm should be in each room where there is a gas appliance

  • An asbestos survey (conducted by the LA) will be required

  • Fire risk assessment is required (with exception of a self-contained house)

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