Estates Management Policy

Letting Standard for Council Properties

This standard is a statement of the condition that all void Council properties should meet before they are re-let.

The standard has been developed with the assistance of, and in consultation with, the South Ayrshire Tenants Group, Housing Services and Environment & Infrastructure

Safety Checks

The Council shall carry out safety checks on an empty property as follows:

Gas Safety Check (where appropriate)
Electrical Safety Check
Asbestos Safety Check
Solid Fuel Enclosed Fires

The Council shall change the locks to all external doors.

External Condition of Property

The garden shall be cleared of rubbish and garden refuse. The grass and hedges shall be cut to a presentable standard at the point the property is let.
Paths and steps shall be checked and repaired where they are in an unsafe condition.
The external condition of the property shall be checked through visual inspection of roof, rainwater goods, chimneys etc.
External doors and windows shall be in a sound condition as determined by inspection.

Decoration Allowances

Ordinarily, decoration shall be the tenant’s responsibility. Decoration allowances shall be awarded at the discretion of the Area Housing Manager and in accordance with the Council’s policy.

Internal Condition of Property

The property shall be clear of rubbish (including loft spaces) and be in a reasonably clean and tidy condition.
Kitchen units and fittings, including drawers, hinges and cupboards shall be in working order and fit for the purpose. They shall be clean and hygienic.
A suitable cooker connection point shall be provided.
Bathroom fittings (bath/shower/WC/wash-hand basin) shall be in working order and in a reasonable condition.
Internal pass doors, skirting, facings, floors, stairs and banisters shall be sound and secure.
Glazed panels/screens (in pass doors etc) shall be fitted with safety glass.
Polytiles shall be removed and ceilings checked for damage and repaired accordingly.
Fireplace/ hearth shall be retained if in reasonable condition.
Central heating systems and other heating appliances shall be in full working order.
Defective plasterwork shall be repaired where appropriate. Hairline or minor cracks shall be left for the tenant to fill during decoration.
Handsets/equipment for opening controlled access communal doors shall be in working order.