Progress Housing Group has been featured in an article by the BBC on Saturday 23 April regarding removal of flooring ahead of letting the property to a new tenant.

Below is more detail on the Group’s position regarding our policy. 

We would encourage any tenants who may be struggling to furnish their homes or who need some additional support to contact us directly.  Where floor coverings are unable to be left (for a number of reasons), we offer lots of support when moving in, such as offering decoration vouchers and making referrals to charitable organisations, as well as directly supporting any tenant who may be struggling to furnish their home or who need some additional support.

We also want to highlight that quite often, if it is appropriate to do so and it is felt that future tenants could benefit from them, we do agree for floor coverings to be left. In fact, in the past year we retained and cleaned carpets in 150 properties following conversations with the previous and incoming tenants. 

 

Tammy Bradley, Executive Director of Operations and Support at Progress Housing Group, said:

"The majority of social housing tenancies are let fully unfurnished. It is really important new tenants have a property that is available for them to make their own home through individual choices on things such as decoration and floor coverings. Predominantly floor coverings would be provided in kitchens and bathrooms only.

"When tenants vacate their homes, we will visit and do a pre-inspection, wherever possible. At that time, discussions will take place between the tenant and the housing officer in terms of the property condition and flooring. Tenants are reminded of the requirements when leaving their property, such as ensuring it is empty, clean, no damage, and gardens are maintained. Where these conditions are not met, tenants may be recharged for the cost of rectifying this.

"On occasion, we do agree for floor coverings to be left, where it may be appropriate to do so and it is felt that future tenants could benefit from them. They are then gifted to the incoming tenant if they want them to remain. Even in these situations when we come to do the property works, there may be cause to take up the flooring for various reasons.

"We want our tenants to feel comfortable and happy in their new home and depending on individual circumstances, we offer lots of support when moving in, such as offering decoration vouchers, and making referrals to charitable organisations.

"We also offer support services for people fleeing domestic abuse. Our refuge and outreach service through our charity Key Unlocking Futures can support tenants to access furniture and can provide set up packages, where possible, to help them settle into their new home comfortably.

"In addition to this, we have other support and opportunities available, such as employment help through our Progress Futures scheme; having a say in how we can improve our services through Community Involvement; financial inclusion support, and critical tenancy support. As an organisation, we also support local community groups and charities through our Community Investment Fund.

"We would encourage any tenants who may be struggling to furnish their home or who need some additional support to contact us directly.”