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Our Maintenance Standards
In the section that follows we explain the standards that we aim to achieve for all property at the time we let it to a new tenant. Generally we expect property to be returned to us in a similar condition at the end of a tenancy, although we accept that standards may change over a number of years and we do not expect the outgoing tenant to arrange for any formal inspections such as the gas safety certificate. Please note that Caldmore is required by law to inspect and service our gas appliances on a yearly basis and tenant co-operation with these visits is greatly appreciated.
General - All rooms should have:
- Windows opening and closing correctly with handles/catches in sound condition.
- Doors that open and close correctly, with handles/catches in sound condition and doorstops in position. External doors should be secure with locks, bolts or deadlocks fitted and keys available.
- Wall plaster, tiled areas and ceilings in good condition with no visible areas of mould and decorations touched up following any repairs.
- Solid floors in sound condition and free from heave, floorboards or sheets in sound condition, properly secured to the joists and with no obvious gaps.
- Floor tiles and vinyl floor coverings to be in sound condition.
- Electrical installations in good working order having been checked as part of a full electrical survey by a qualified electrician. Appropriate safety certificate obtained and sufficient power outlets according to note 1.
- All paintwork clean and washed down if necessary. Floors swept and mopped. All rubbish and unwanted items removed. Carpets to be removed unless prior arrangement made with next tenant.
- Any broken panes of glass to be replaced.
- All joinery such as window frames, skirting etc. properly secured and in sound condition.
- No signs of rising or penetrating dampness (any problems discovered must be treated).
- Full gas safety inspection carried out and appropriate gas safety certificate obtained (appliances fitted by tenants must not interfere with this).
- Loft spaces checked, any items belonging to previous occupant removed and adequate insulation and lagging to pipe work and storage tanks.
- Any smoke detectors should be in working order
- Ensure there are two full sets of keys available.
In addition, the living room/lounge should have:
- Gas fire (if fitted) operating correctly and incorporated within the gas safety inspection programme).
- Feature fireplace and any other non standard features are to be removed unless in sound condition and capable of being maintained in future by the association.
The kitchen should have:
- Provision of a sink unit with draining board, base unit, at least the minimum (see note 2) number of cupboards for food storage and at least 1 metre of worktop. There should be a minimum clear space of 1metre in front of kitchen equipment.
- A cooker point located within a safe zone in the kitchen area. (Where this is not the case, kitchen units may need to be re-arranged in order to provide a safe position for the cooker).
- The gas service pipe to the cooker point (if fitted) should be capped off ready for connection of new appliance.
- Food/utensil storage units and worktops in serviceable condition.
- No leaks within the plumbing installation.
- Worktops and sink unit to be properly sealed (with silicon sealer if required).
- All ceramic tiles to be in sound condition, secured and grouted.
- Work surfaces, sink units and floor to be clean.
The bathroom/WC should have:
- No leaks within the plumbing system.
- Provision of a bath, wash basin and WC with any damaged sanitary fittings having been renewed. (A shower may be installed in place of a bath in order to meet special needs).
- WC seat, plug and chain to bath and wash hand basin should be fitted where required.
- Bath and any wash hand basin sealed with silicon mastic if required.
- All ceramic tiles to be in sound condition, secured and grouted.
The airing cupboard (where applicable) should have:
- No leaks on the plumbing installation.
- Hot water cylinder to be fitted with jacket if required
- Shelving clean and in sound condition.
The staircase should have:
- All treads and risers in sound condition.
- Banisters and hand rails secured and in good condition.
Any Communal areas should have:
- Mail/letterboxes secure and any locks in working order and with keys included within the set available.
- Ensure correct operation and locking of communal door including use of door entry system where fitted.
The heating and hot water system should have:
- A Supply of hot water to all baths, wash hand basins and sink units.
- Where a whole house heating system not available, there must be a heating appliance within the lounge of sound condition and in good working order.
Externally the property should have:
- All rubbish removed from gardens and yard areas.
- No leaks from rainwater goods and ensure gutters and down pipes secured.
- Roof and roofing felt in sound condition.
- All gates opening and closing correctly and in sound condition. Gates to enclosed garden areas should be lockable.
- All drains running clear and gully grids in position.
- Air bricks functioning properly and, where the property has a ground floor, no bridging of the damp proof course.
- Paths and areas of hard standing in sound condition with no tripping hazards.
- Canopies checked to ensure they are secure and water tight. Remedial work to be carried out if necessary.
- Outbuildings removed unless they are in sound condition and capable of being maintained by the association (unless gifted to new tenant).
- Garden ponds to be filled in (unless gifted to new tenant).
- Line posts or rotary dryers secure and serviceable.
- Fences adequate to meet minimum standards and in serviceable condition.
Note 1 - Minimum power outlets: kitchen 4, Bedrooms 2, Lounge 4
Note 2 - Adequate storage means sufficient for the size of family likely to live in the property. Please refer to the following guidelines for deciding how many substantial storage units should be made available (where space permits):
< 3 person dwelling – 1 unit (e.g. 1 bed flats & bungalows)
3-4 person dwelling – 2 units (e.g. 2 bed units)
> 5 person dwelling – 3 units (e.g. family sized accommodation)
