Moving in and what you can expect

We will have:

General

• Removed any graffiti
• Made all essential repairs so they are done to a high standard
• Replaced internal doors (if required)
• Replaced any hand/guard rails or bannisters if loose, damaged or missing
• Replaced damaged stair treads/risers
• Replaced any loose, damaged or missing floorboards

Safety

• We will provide you with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
• Carried out electrical and gas safety checks
• Completed damp proof course, rot and timber and infestation works (if required)
• Replaced any damaged glass to doors or windows
• Installed ventilation units or mechanical extraction fans
• Fitted a gas cooker stability chain
• Removed any asbestos (if required)
• Changed the locks to front and back doors
• Removed non-standard electrical fittings and appliances
• Replaced fire doors (if damaged)

Inside your home

• Installed curtain battens in the bedroom and living room
• Made sure that all kitchen units and fronts are matching
• Made sure that we have tiled fully to the ceiling around bath and made sure that the floor and wall tiles match
• Replaced wall tiling and re-grouted (if required)
• Made sure that there is no damaged bathroom suites, basins, baths or showers and renew sealants (if required)
• Installed a shower where the home doesn’t have one, and install a shower curtain and rail

Decoration

• Applied Stain Block to any historic water marks
• Replaced any broken plaster vents
• Replaced any damaged window sills
• Stripped all wallpaper, glossed all wood work and replastered walls (if required)
• Replaced any corroded or damaged radiators

Outside your home

• Removed all rubbish from outside your home
• If you home backs onto a railway or open water, we will renew fencing where necessary
• Repaired or removed unsafe fencing and gates
• Renewed external brickwork (where causing penetrating damp)
• Repointed external walls (where causing penetrating damp)

• The garden is well-maintained, with the grass cut and all hedges and bushes trimmed, including any that overhang onto public footpaths.
• No ponds and holes in the garden
• Clear paths to entrances (free from trip hazards)
• No broken tiles
• Plastering works to walls and ceiling completed if needed
• The home is clear, clean and watertight 
• There are no visible leaks 
• Doors and windows are watertight 
• Gas and/or electric supplies are tested and safe 
• Home alterations have been inspected and approved 
• There is no visible mould or damp 
• The kitchen has space for essential appliances such as the cooker and fridge 
• The number of kitchen units is suitable for the size of the home
• There is an electricity, and where possible, a gas supply for the cooker 
• All old fireplaces will have been sealed
• All windows and external doors are secure
• Window restrictors on windows fitted to the 1st floor or above
• A replacement toilet seat (if not in good condition)
• Clear gutters and unblocked drains, basins, sinks and baths

We want you to be able to move into your new home as soon as possible, so we might need to carry out some non-essential repairs after you have moved in. You will be given a list of these repairs when you sign the tenancy agreement. We’ll also discuss with you how long it will take for the repairs to be carried out. 

All of our homes meet the Government’s Decent Homes Standard. This is the legal standard that all housing should be in the UK. Here are some of the services we provide as your landlord to keep your home well-maintained:

• We inspect all homes and carry out essential repairs before you move in
• We complete any non-urgent repairs or external maintenance within three months of you moving in 
• We provide a 24-hour emergency repair service all year round 
• By law we carry out a gas safety check on your home every year 
• We carry out an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) every 5 years at your home. This is a check that a we do to make sure the electrical installation in your home is safe

The gas supply will be turned off and can only be turned back on after we have carried out a ‘turn on and test’ of the gas supply.

Here is what you should know when you move in:

• Call the Customer Connect Hub to arrange an appointment for a ‘turn on and test’ straightaway. Don’t worry we will discuss this with you when you sign up for your home.   
• Once the test has been done, we’ll know if any gas appliances in your new home needs to be replaced.
• A gas ‘turn on and test’ appointment will be completed within one working day of you requesting it. 

• If you have a gas cooker, you will need to have it installed by a qualified gas engineer. 
• You will need to arrange to have your own washing machine plumbed in, decorate your home and will need to buy and fit your own floor covering.
• You should also arrange your own contents insurance. 
• Your tenancy agreement will list out all of your responsibilities in full, like ensuring your garden is free from rubbish and maintained, and internal decoration of your home. 

There are a few extra things which will help when you move into your new home

• You are responsible for paying for utilities, this includes, water, gas and electric. You should need to speak to the suppliers to put these into your name when you move in. Learn more about understanding your utilities here.
• We will give you two sets of door keys, including any entry fobs you might need. If you lose any of your keys, unfortunately, we’ll have to charge you to cut new ones.
• We will make sure any ponds and holes in gardens to make them safe before you move in.