What to expect when you move into your new home
Your new home
What standard to expect
All homes are let to Stoke-on-Trent City Councils Void standard, this is the standard you can expect when you move into your new home. We will make sure your new home is clean, safe, secure and in reasonable repair. We will also let you know if there are any planned repairs or improvements to your new home.
- The sink top and work surfaces will be in a clean and hygienic condition.
- All units will be secure and doors and drawers will operate satisfactorily.
- The water supply will be working.
- The number of storage cupboards will depend on the size of the kitchen. The storage space will consist of wall and floor units.
- Tiled areas will be sealed and free from cracked or broken tiles.
- There will be a safe and compliant cooker space with a suitable gas and electricity point if both are available.
- It is your responsibility to arrange the connection of your cooker by a suitably-qualified person.
- There will be a minimum of two double electrical sockets.
- We will provide space for a fridge and washing machine, with plumbing, taps and waste.
- The connection of the washing machine is your responsibility.
- The kitchen floor will have a washable, clean floor covering, free from broken and damaged tiles.
- Surfaces and cupboards will be cleaned.
- All existing bathroom elements will be operational and free from leaks.
- All glazed tile areas will be correctly sealed and free from cracked or broken tiles.
- All toilets will work properly, be securely fixed and have a new toilet seat fitted.
- You are responsible for any further toilet seat replacements needed during your tenancy.
- The sink, washbasin, bath and shower, and toilet will be sanitised.
- Visible plasterwork will be of a decoratable standard.
- We will remove any polystyrene tiles throughout the property.
- All walls and ceilings will be free from damp or mould.
- Graffiti will be removed or decorated over, inside and outside the home.
- With your agreement, the previous tenants’ carpets, lino, ceramic tiles, and laminated or wooden floor coverings that are in reasonably good condition will be left in the property.
- The ongoing maintenance and replacement of these items would become your responsibility.
- Floors will be even and free from trip hazards.
- The flooring in the kitchen and bathroom will have a clean and washable covering. Broken and damaged tiles will be replaced.
- Wooden floors will be secure and in an acceptable condition.
- Solid floors will have no major ongoing defects.
- Stairs will have safe and secure handrails and balustrades.
- Kitchen and bathroom floors will be mopped.
- All fire doors will be checked to ensure agreed standards.
- All internal and external doors will work correctly and be fit for purpose.
- The locks to all external doors will be changed.
- All glazing will be intact when you move in and all windows that are designed to open will be in good working order.
- The decoration of the property is your responsibility, including filling hairline cracks.
- If the property has a gas supply, we will have the gas supply and any appliances tested in line with current gas safety regulations to make sure they are safe and in working order.
- We will give you a copy of the landlord’s gas safety certificate and let you know where the emergency control valve is when you sign the tenancy agreement.
- The mains water supply will be left working.
- The main stop tap (also called a stopcock) will be checked and left working. We will let you know where it is on the sign-up visit.
- We will have the electricity supply checked in line with the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contractors’ (NICEIC) inspection procedure.
- Appropriate smoke alarms will be installed at the property.
- Recognised access paths will be left safe and free of hazards.
- External health and safety hazards will be removed.
- Boundaries will be clearly defined.
- Existing fencing will be repaired or replaced.
- Roofs, walls, gutters and downpipes will be safe and in working condition.
- We will remove rubbish from the front and back gardens, bin stores and any sheds.
- We will remove sheds, greenhouses and other similar garden structures, unless they are in good condition.
- In the event that any of these items are left, the ongoing maintenance and replacement of these items would become your responsibility.
- We will cut back any overgrown hedges, lawns and trees to an acceptable height.
Our plans to invest
We are committed to keeping your home in a good, safe condition, that is why we carry out surveys to check everything is in working order.
Contact us
If you have further questions please get in touch.
