We want every one of our homes to be safe, well maintained, and comfortable. We manage different types of homes, and we know everyone’s needs are different.

That’s why we use a consistent and fair approach, informed by what we know about our homes and your feedback.

Good quality home

We define a good quality home as being one that:

• Meets the government’s Decent Homes Standard.
• Is safe, secure and compliant with safety regulations.
• Is free from damp, mould, and serious disrepair.
• Is warm and energy efficient.
• Meets our standards for major replacements.

Decent Homes Standard

To meet the Decent Homes Standard, we make sure your home is:

• Free from serious hazards like unsafe electrics or poor ventilation.
• In a reasonable state of repair.
• Has modern facilities where needed. For example: Kitchens (20 years old or less) and bathrooms (30 years old or less).
• Warm, with effective insulation and heating.

We aim to go beyond the basic standard by replacing outdated parts and fixtures in line with our own lifecycle targets by 2029.

Warm and energy efficient homes

We are working to improve the energy efficiency of all our homes. By 2030, every one of our homes will meet a minimum EPC rating of ‘C’. We also have a long-term Carbon Reduction Plan running to 2050.

We know some older homes may be harder to heat. If you’re struggling to keep warm, please talk to us as we may be able to help. You can speak to your Neighbourhood Co-ordinator or our dedicated Money Matters team.

To manage the heating in your home, you can watch our helpful ‘how to’ videos or download and read our step-by-step guide below.

How to use your thermostat and change batteries

How to manage a common fault

Regular inspections and safety checks

We carry out regular inspections and safety checks to make sure your home meets building safety standards. These include:

• Annual gas servicing (if applicable).
• Electrical inspections every five years.
• Fire safety checks (in communal areas).
• Asbestos, water, and lift safety checks.
• Radon and legionella management (where needed).

Our staff are trained to spot safety concerns during visits and will report any issues for follow-up. To read more about these regular inspections, go to our home and building safety page.

Homes free of damp and mould

We understand how worrying damp and mould can be. To understand what action we take to manage this, go to our damp and mould page.

Homes where key parts are replaced on time

We replace key parts of your home in line with agreed lifecycles. You can read more about this on our planned programmes page.

Extra help and adjustments

If you or someone in your home has additional needs, we make reasonable adjustments. This can include:

• Installing visual fire alarms if you or someone in your home as a hearing impairment.
• Replacing key parts earlier than planned.
• Providing information in large print, braille or audio format.

Please let us know if you, or someone in your household, has an additional need and we will always try to help.

New tenancies

If you’re getting ready to move into a home with us, or have just got the keys to your new property, you can expect your home to be safe, clean and in a good condition. It will have proper heating, lighting and ventilation. The structure will also be strong and free of leaks, plumbing problems or dangers.

You can read more about the standard you can expect from your new rented home by downloading and reading our service standard.

You can understand more about the standards you can expect from us and how we’ll work together to keep your home safe, well maintained and comfortable, by downloading and reading our service standard.