quality homes ... A GUIDE FOR B.V.T. TENANTS

Improving The Standard

Bournville Village Trust aims to provide quality homes for all of its tenants.

The minimum property Standards are designed to enable staff to apply a consistent approach when dealing with void inspection and improvements programmes.

The standards identify the key building components that should be inspected and provide general guidance on what to look for.

OUR RE-LET STANDARD

Whilst it is the aim of Bournville Village Trust to achieve the Minimum standard across the whole of its housing stock, there may be occasions where this is not possible due to:

• Existing property layout
• Financial constraints
• External constraints eg: meeting planning or conservation requirements

In all cases properties will fulfil the following Criteria:

• Meets the decent homes standard
• Structurally sound
• Weather tight
• Free of rising or penetrating damp
• Meet minimum Energy Efficiency Ratings (SAP)
• Secure
• Smoke alarm fitted - tenants responsible for battery replacements
• Current gas and electricity safety certificates
• Clean, free of any infestation

Minimum standards apply to the structure and main components of the property and are detailed as follows:

EXTERNAL

1. Roofs
2. Brickwork
3. Boundaries
4. Paths
5. Drainage, rainwater goods
6. Doors
7. Windows
8. Finishes
9. Garages, sheds

INTERNAL

1. Kitchen
2. Bathroom / WC
3. Power
4. Lighting
5. Heating
6. Doors
7. Stairs
8. Finishes
9. Insulation

GENERAL

1. Asbestos - to be dealt with in accordance with the Asbestos Policy
2. Cleaned throughout
3. Clear of furniture, rubbish and debris
4. Garden - not overgrown, maintainable. No ponds
5. Graffiti free - internal and external surfaces
6. Pipework / tanks in roof spaces lagged
7. Tanks and pipework - insulated / lagged.

WHERE ELSE CAN I GET HELP?

There are lots of specialist local and national organisations where you can get help and advice, some of which are listed below:

Shelterline - Freephone 0808 800 4444

BIRMINGHAM

Citizens Advice Bureau - 0870 751 0955

Birmingham Money Advice and Grants - 0121 678 8853

Birmingham Settlement - 0121 248 3000

Central Benefits Team - 0121 464 7000

SCB Credit Union - 0121 486 2035

TELFORD

Citizens Advice Bureau - 01952 291 101

Housing Benefits Service - 01952 203 310

Housing Needs Section, Borough of Telford and Wrekin

- 01952 202 100

Fairshare Credit Union - 01952 282 528

Click here to download information booklet (pdf)

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