Lettable Standard - Taunton Deane Borough Council

If you believe the property being offered failsto meet the standards listed or you wish tomake a suggestion, please let your Estate Officerknow during the “Post Tenancy visit” or contact01823 356334If you require further informationplease contact:Rent, Recovery & Void DepartmentTaunton Deane Borough Council,The Deane House, Belvedere Road,Taunton, TA1 1HETel: 01823 356334Email: rents@tauntondeane.gov.ukwww.tauntondeane.gov.ukIf you would like this document translatedinto other languages or in Braille, large print,audio tape, or CD please telephone us on01823 356334 or email us at:rents@tauntondeane.gov.ukLettable StandardIntroductionThis Lettable Standard sets out TauntonDeane Borough Council’s minimum standardwhich a property will meet before it isre-let. It will help ensure consistent qualityof each property offered for re-let. We willensure all new incoming or transferring tenantsare made aware of this standard.01823 356334rents@tauntondeane.gov.uk01823 356334rents@tauntondeane.gov.uk01823 356334rents@tauntondeane.gov.uk01823 356334rents@tauntondeane.gov.uk01823 356334rents@tauntondeane.gov.ukDesign & Print 10836/sf/03/10

GeneralBefore you move into the property we will:• Ensure the property is safe and secure.• Ensure the whole property is clear ofrubbish, including cupboards, attics,outbuildings and gardens.• Check the gas and electricity supplies tothe property are safe and if necessarywe will carry out repairs.• Service heating systems and appliancesand leave them in good working ordersubject to a live gas supply being available,or one supply established.• Please note, during winter months wemay drain down wet heating systemsand water supplies to prevent any burstpipes occurring.• Test and inspect smoke alarms.If you do not have one installed inyour home we will fit a mains connectedsmoke detector.• Repair any broken window/s, wherenecessary. We will ensure the windowsare in good working order.• Ensure that floors are in a reasonablecondition.• Repair obviously damaged plaster on wallsand ceilings.• De-infest properties of insects or vermin,if applicable.• Repair or replace any dangerous guttersor down pipes• Remove any dangerous structures (suchas old garages, outbuildings, greenhouses,sheds or ponds)• Cut back overgrown gardens and clear ofany rubbish. If the weather is bad we mayhave to do this after you have moved in.• Replace damaged bathroom fittings,including missing plugs or chains.If we have to make minor repairs after you havemoved in we will:- Where possible tell you about the workwhen you view the property- Make sure the repair work does notaffect your safety.The internal decorationsare the responsibility ofthe tenant. We will however,check the conditionof decoration and if weconsider itvery poor, we may issuedecorating vouchers.If the property is within a sheltered accommodationunit we may carry outpartial or full decoration of the property.As a minimum each property will have• Gas or electric heating in the mainliving room.• Electric or gas cooker points• A stopcock in a serviceable condition.• Safe handrails to all staircases.• A bathroom with a bath or shower,basin and toilet (or separate toilet).There will be a hot and cold water supply.• A kitchen sink with a hot and cold watersupply. We will provide sufficient foodstorage and preparation areas.• Sanitary ware and fittings that are soundand flush correctly.• Seat and flap covers for each toilet inthe property.• Any external toilet (if applicable) willbe serviceable.• An Energy Performance Certificatewhich gives information on the energyefficiency rating for the property.• Useful information regarding yournew home.