Shared area cleaning
We have responsibility for cleaning communal areas. In the event of the usual cleaner being unavailable, alternative arrangements will be made to ensure cleaning services are maintained. A list of service standards for shared area cleaning is available from the Scheme Manager. This includes tasks that should be completed, daily, weekly, quarterly and annually.
Examples of such tasks are:
- Daily - Empty waste bins, spot vacuum and clean hand basins.
- Weekly - Dust blinds, clean glass doors and remove marks to walls in shared areas.
- Quarterly - Clean and defrost refrigerators, clean cupboards and shared kitchens.
- Annually - Shampoo upholstered furniture in shared areas. (Carpets will be cleaned as required)
Window cleaning
We are responsible for cleaning the inside of shared windows in communal areas, and our contractors will do this on a quarterly basis. In addition to this, marks will be removed from these windows, as and when necessary.
We are also responsible for cleaning the outside of shared windows, at least once every six weeks. You are responsible for cleaning the inside and outside of the windows in your individual flat.
We are responsible for ensuring grounds maintenance of the landscaped areas around each unit. Grass cutting is carried out bi-weekly between March and October. Trees and Shrubs are maintained monthly. General tidying of hedges and litter picking is carried out monthly.
We will work closely with Grounds Maintenance Contractors to make sure standards in relation to grass cutting and the sweeping of paths meets tenants’ expectations. A log will be kept by the Scheme Manager that indicates the dates when the grounds have been maintained and any issues of concern. This is signed by the Scheme Manager and Grounds Maintenance contractor each time they visit.
An inspection of the scheme will take place monthly by the Scheme Manager and a representative from the Sheltered Scheme. We will publicise details of the inspections and you are welcome to see copies of previous inspections.
Programmed work
Some work to schemes is done as part of a planned maintenance programme such as, outside painting and annual gas servicing. We will consult with you in advance about this work.
Planned refurbishment work to individual flats and bungalows will be carried out as and when necessary to ensure all of the Company's stock achieves the Government's Decent Homes standard. You will be consulted on the work to be undertaken. You will be consulted on all new shared furniture, fixtures and fittings to ensure they are suitable for purpose and meet your requirements.
Decoration
The internal shared area and the external parts of the building are the responsibility our responsibility and redecoration will be completed every five years in consultation with you. You will also be consulted on choices for carpets, colour schemes, and other decoration.
Repairs to flats and bungalows
All repairs to flats and bungalows that are our responsibility and will be coordinated by us, and carried out by one of our approved contractors. Repairs should be reported on the Repairs Line on 08000 837540.
Servicing of equipment
Communal equipment will be serviced as follows:
- Fire alarms – quarterly.
- Lifts - quarterly.
- Emergency lighting - quarterly.
- Extractor fans - annually.
- Sheltered Housing Services
- Heating and boilers- annually.
- Portable appliances - annually.
- Portable fire fighting equipment - annually.
- Gas cooker in communal kitchens - annually
Your responsibilities
You must take reasonable care of your home and report any repairs to us promptly. This will stop any damage becoming worse, and make us aware that a repair is needed.
You are responsible for:
- Decorating the inside of your accommodation.
- Internal fittings, such as curtain rails and light bulbs, carpets.
- Anything that you installed yourself.
- Items which are damaged or broken wilfully.
You are also responsible for minor repairs in your accommodation, such as:
- Changing fuses.
- Repairing minor cracks in plaster.
- Minor repairs to kitchen cupboards and drawers.
- Repairs to internal door handles.
- TV aerials (except shared ones).
