Empty homes standard
This standard is our guarantee to you that the home we’re offering to you is:
safe and has all its services in working order
secure
clean and in a reasonable condition
We want you to tell us if this home does not meet these standards. We will ask you about this when you view the home.
If for any reason you feel it doesn't meet these standards, please tell the officer who's with you when you view the property. We'll do what we can to put things right.
The home is safe
We will check that:
Gas, electric and heating systems are in a safe and working order.
The home has been checked for asbestos.
The home has been checked for damp and mould.
All fire doors and fire prevention equipment have been checked.
All glazing in internal doors has been checked for safety.
Footpaths, ramps and steps to the main entrance are free of tripping hazards.
Stair treads, banisters and any handrails both inside and outside the home are safe and secure.
Floorboards and any fixed floor coverings are safe and secure.
Timber floors have been checked for rot and beetle infestation.
A smoke alarm has been installed.
Any existing smoke alarms have been tested.
Any improvements that have been made to the home by the previous tenant have been checked and are safe.
Toilet seats are intact and safely fitted and the toilet pan is not cracked or broken.
Outbuildings appear to be structurally safe.
The outside of the home has been checked to make sure it's safe.
The home is secure
All doors and windows are secure and open and close easily.
External door locks have been changed.
We have given you keys for outside stores, where possible.
You can lock or close securely on a latch all windows. Where possible we will give you keys for the windows that have locks.
If there’s a door entry system, it’s in working order.
There’s no broken or cracked glass.
If there’s a burglar alarm, which was installed by the previous tenant, we’ve tested it – we’ll ask you to accept responsibility for looking after it in the future.
The home is clean and has been cleared
The home and all the fittings are clean.
The home, outbuildings, loft and garden are cleared of any items left by the previous tenant.
Decorating the home
We don’t decorate empty homes, but we’ll make sure any offensive graffiti is removed.
All services are in full working order
Gas, electric and heating systems are in a safe and working order.
Immersion heaters are in working order where fitted.
Showers are in working order where fitted.
We’ll explain how the heating system works and where possible we will give you any manuals or instruction leaflets.
The bath and sink have got plugs.
Letterboxes are in working order.
We’ll give you an external gas and electric meter cabinet key
Please note, where a kitchen has built-in appliances, you will be responsible for maintaining and/or replacing them.
For gifted appliances, these are household appliances that don't form part of our usual standard, which can include new dishwashers, fridges and ovens.
