Letting Standards

We want our properties to be of a consistently high standard. To achieve this, we have worked with tenants to develop a letting standard that means our properties will be safe, secure, clean and in good condition.

Please take a copy of this page or our Lettings Standard leaflet this leaflet with you when you view the property so you can check that we have met our standards.

One of our Estate Officers will go with you when you view the property and will discuss any concerns you may have.

These are the standards you can expect:

The garden - All gardens will be free from rubbish and any lawn will be cut back. Doors - All internal and external doors will be free from damage and they will open and close easily.

Internal woodwork – All internal woodwork will be free from damage or decay.

Glazing - All glazing will be intact when you move into the property.

Windows - All windows that are designed to open will do so quite easily. We suggest that you make sure that the windows open and close properly.

Floors - All floors and floor coverings will be in a good and safe condition. They will be free of cracks or other faults that could cause injury. Any covering such as tiles or carpet will be secured to the floor. We cannot guarantee that the floorboards will not have some slight movement or minor cracks.
Please make sure you are satisfied with the floors. If you are not, mention this to the Estate Officer. If you want to fit a carpet or other covering, it is your responsibility to make sure the floor is in a satisfactory condition before you fit any carpet or other covering.

Kitchen - We will put plumbing in the property for an automatic washer as long as there is enough space in the kitchen.

• The plumbing from the fixed pipe connection to the washer will be your responsibility once the washer has been put in.
• All kitchen units will be clean and in good working condition. Worktops will be clean and suitable for you to use.
• The sink unit top will be clean and in good condition.
• The property will have either a gas or electric supply ready for you to connect a cooker.

Please tell us at the time of the viewing which method of cooking you use and we will try to provide your preferred option.

Bathroom and toilet – All bathroom and toilet fittings will be clean and in good working order and we will provide a new toilet seat. Tiled surrounds to the bath and sink will be clean and in good condition.

Heating - Where a gas fire or heating system is installed, it will be in working order and we will arrange to carry out a safety check. We will also give you a copy of the latest domestic gas servicing checklist. If a solid-fuel appliance has been fitted, we will arrange to carry out a safety check and give you a copy of the latest solid-fuel servicing checklist. If an electric fire has been fitted, we will carry out the appropriate electrical safety check before you move into the property. We will give you a guide to working the heating.

Mains services - Electric and gas safety checks are needed and we will arrange them when you sign the tenancy agreement.

PLEASE NOTE - You are responsible for arranging to connect gas and electricity supplies to the property.

Cleaning - We will clean the property to the following standard before you move in. We will:

• Sweep and clean the floors
• Clean the kitchen units and worktops
• Clean the bathroom and toilet fittings.

Decoration - You are responsible for decorating the inside of your home. However, if there is something you are not happy about, please discuss this with the Estate Officer who will try to sort out any issues at the time of the viewing. Please mention any other concerns you may have to the Estate Officer.

Finally, you do not have to accept a property from us if you believe it does not meet the standards set out above.

Your tenancy agreement gives you more information about or responsibilities to you and our rights and responsibilities as a tenant.

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© The Gateshead Housing Company 2008 | Terms and Conditions

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