FareLets - Property Standards

Any property taken on by the council for letting to people in housing need must meet certain standards. The following must be achieved:

• The property must be in good condition with no category 1 hazards under the Housing Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
• The property must be free from damp and mould.
• There must be suitable handrails and balustrading to any stairs and steps providing access to the property, or inside the property.
• There must be mains wired smoke detection on each level in the property (i.e. hall and landings).
• A mains wired carbon monoxide detector must be fitted if there are any gas appliances in the property. The detector will be provided under some of the council services.
• There must be a valid gas safety certificate, dated within the last 12 months (if appropriate). This will be provided under some of the council services.
• There must be a valid electrical safety certificate, dated within the last 5 years. This will be provided under some of the council services.
• An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) must be provided confirming that the property achieves level E or higher. If energy efficiency works are carried out and the level is improved, a new EPC must be provided.
• The property must be provided with a fixed and controllable heating system, covering all rooms. Portable gas, electric or flammable fuel heaters must not be provided by the landlord.
• Any furniture which is provided or left in the property by the landlord must comply with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988, as amended in 1989 and 1993.
   

The accommodation will be inspected prior to being taken on and any works needed will be identified. Landlords will be advised that any works required must be completed before tenants can be placed in the property. If a landlord is unable to fund the improvement works in order to achieve the scheme standard, a loan of up to £2,000 may be applied for. The loan is interest free and repayable through the monthly rental income. Terms and conditions will apply.
 

In addition to meeting the standards above, the landlord is also required to provide the following information:

• Proof of ownership
• Permission from the mortgage company to let the property (where appropriate)
• Proof that there is current and valid building insurance
• The location of the stopcock and mains gas isolation valve
• Instruction manuals for gas boilers, heaters and any other appliances provided in the property
• 2 sets of keys for the property

For more information on the loan availability, please contact the Accommodation Officer on 01329 824649.