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Answer:

Electricity 

  • The electrical installation in your home will be checked and repaired before you move in.
  • New mains-powered smoke alarms will be fitted if these are not present. Any existing mains-powered smoke alarms will be cleaned and new back up batteries fitted.
  • Any battery only smoke alarms will be removed.
  • When you sign your tenancy agreement you will be given an electrical safety certificate that tells you the electrical installation in your home is up to standard.
  • If there is no form of central heating present, gas or electric central heating will be installed.

Heating 

  • If an individual heating system is installed then where possible a radiator will be provided in all rooms including the bathroom (where the design of the room allows this).

Gas installation 

  • The gas services will be checked and any gas appliances serviced.
  • If there are gas appliances in your home, we will make sure the gas supply pipe work is in a safe condition when you move in.
  • When you move in, you will also need to call for a boiler re-commission to get your hot water turned on - you will find the contact number on the front of the boiler: Mears Group Gas Department - 020 8525 6557. During the boiler recommissioning the heating engineer will explain how to operate the heating system.
  • For your peace of mind, you’ll be given a copy of the Landlord’s gas safety certificate when you sign the tenancy agreement.
Answer:
  • Windows and doors will work properly and be sound and secure.
  • All the windows will have been checked for cracks and you will be given at least one window key per room for those with locks.
  • The locks on the front and back doors that exit to a common public area will have been changed.
  • We will fit a closure to the kitchen door and make sure that any front door opening onto a communal hallway will be fire resistant
Answer:
  • All parts of the internal staircase will be in good condition and handrails and supports will be properly fitted and secure.
  • Floors will be free from faults (such as raised nails and screws) and be sound and secure.
  • The kitchen and bathroom floors will have a waterproof and washable finish.
  • The ceilings and walls will be in a good condition and free from any structural defects (there might be minor cracks due to thermal movement or drying due to the natural products used). These are minor works you may have to do yourself. 
Answer:
  • Your home will have either a bath or a walk-in shower and at least one toilet.
  • There will be a tiled splash-back at least 300mm (12 inches) high behind the bath and basin (if fitted) and the plugs and chains will be provided.
  • The tiling will be sound, grouted and sealed.
  • All the sanitary furniture (toilet, bath, shower, basin) will be disinfected and the toilet seat will be new with a sanitary strip fitted.
  • Some of our properties were designed and built without hand wash basins - if your home does not have a hand wash basin and the bathroom or toilet has enough space for one then we will install one.
  • If the bathroom decorations are in poor condition, we will redecorate using anti-condensation coatings.
Answer:
  • All taps will be in working order.
  • Before the property is made available for someone to move in to, all water supply pipes will be flushed through to ensure all water is running clean.
  • We will also check the waste pipes and make sure they are not blocked and water drains away freely.
  • Immersion heaters will be fitted with a thermostat and lagged or properly insulated.
Answer:
  • Homes with private gardens will be free from rubbish.
  • Dangerous structures like greenhouses will be removed and uneven and dangerous paths will be repaired.
  • Overgrown gardens will be cut back and damaged washing lines will be removed (but not replaced).
  • Where boundary fences and walls joining a public highway or communal area are managed by Housing Management Services, they will be repaired to ensure the property is secure.
  • Drains and gullies will be in good condition and the roofs, walls and down-pipes will be sound and keep the property water-tight. (It is not always possible to test these so if you have any leaks or notice faults when you move in please report them to the Housing Service Centre 020 7364 5015).
Answer:

Upper floors

Check all roof access is safe and all equipment regularly used for building maintenance – such as ladders, personal protective equipment and other inspection kit– is safe and ready to use. If you have valley or parapet gutters, check that they are clear and running freely to prevent water from entering the wall tops and roofspace. Extra caution is needed in icy conditions.

Both

Your electricity system should be checked by a qualified person every five years. Smoke alarms should be regularly tested and cleaned. Remember to replace the batteries too.

Shopfront

Gullies beneath downpipes should be cleared out regularly. If they are not draining away the drain may be blocked.

May

Answer:

Upper floors

Top tip

Have gutters adjusted if they are discharging water onto the wall – look for staining to the walls.

Both

Make sure that windows open easily so that the building can be ventilated on dry days during the summer months. Lubricate door and window fittings and check security locks. 

Shut down the heating system and arrange to have the boiler serviced. Bleed radiators and ensure that the frost thermostat is operational.

Shopfront

Drains should be cleaned and rodded out if they overflow during wet weather. Remove silt and debris to ensure water discharges freely. 

Clear away plant growth from drains, drainage channels and around gullies and the base of the walls generally.

Petticoat Building Calendar - May

Answer:

Upper floor

If your roof space has safe access and is boarded, during heavy rain check whether there is evidence of leaks or damage to roof covering.

Check that gutters and downpipes have not been damaged during frosts. Look for cracks or leaks in rainwater goods and organise for any damaged sections to be repaired.

Petticoat Building Calendar - March

Shopfront

Inspect the flashings at the shopfront wall abutments for signs of decay. Problems include holes or splits in the lead-work and cracked or missing mortar.

Answer:

Upper front

Check your roof for storm and wind damage. As well as slipped slates or tiles, debris on the ground or in gutters can indicate a problem. 

Make sure gutters and downpipes are clear of leaves and other debris. Regular attention may be needed if there are trees nearby in blossom or coming into leaf.

Top tip

Fit bird/leaf guards to the tops of soil stacks and downpipes and gullies to the base of downpipes to prevent blockages. 

Shopfront

Look out for cast iron gutters and downpipes that may also require repainting. Check the shopfront for storm and wind damage. Gullies beneath downpipes and around drains should be cleared out regularly.

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