Lettable standard for council housing
Communities Committee approved a new lettable standard, which sets out on 3rd September 2020. The new approach aims to reduce the length of time a property is unavailable for use between tenancies, during which time the property is classed as ‘void’.
The new lettable standard will support the Council in improving void processes by reducing re-let times, improving practice and performance, and providing a more person-centred service by completing as many works as possible prior to a property void period, and agreeing any works required at a later date with the incoming tenant.
The revised lettable standard began in the Formartine area on 1st October 2020 and moves to other areas of Aberdeenshire on a rolling basis.
Work will be carried out to the property during the following time periods:
- Pre-void work refers to work that is carried out prior to the existing tenant moving out of their house
- Void work refers to work that is carried out whilst the property is unoccupied
- Post-void work refers to work that is carried out once the new tenant has moved in
Pre-void work
The table below shows the actions to be undertaken in the notice period prior to the existing tenant moving out of their house.
| Element | Task |
| Garden | Inspect house and garden for sharps and instruct safe removal. |
| Garden | Remove and replace any faulty clothes poles and rotary dryers. |
| External | Paths to be free from trip hazards. |
| External | Ensure path provided to drying area. |
| External | Check inspection accesses, gully surrounds, are sound, fix as necessary. |
| External | Ensure steps and handrails safe and secure. |
| External | Check lintel’s, sills and pointing work. |
| External | Repair any faults to gutters and rainwater pipes. |
| External | Ensure sub floor ventilation is unobstructed. |
| Roof | Remedy roofing and chimney defects |
| Windows | Replace any cracked or broken glass. |
| Windows | Ensure that restrictors are fitted on all windows above ground floor. |
| Windows | Fix trickle vents. |
| Doors | Ensure that doors are fully operational. |
| Stairs | Ensure handrails and balustrades are safe and secure. |
| Property | Fix leaks and drips and/or repair at cisterns, tanks, cylinders, and water heaters. |
| Property | Fix leaks and ensure wastes and fittings run free. |
| Property | Ensure toilet seat is undamaged. |
| Property | Renew sealant as necessary. |
| Bathroom | Check shower and fittings are operational and repair or renew as required. |
| Kitchen | Ensure all doors and drawers are operational. |
| Attic space | Attics to be clear of all items. |
| Attic space | Check for asbestos tanks and wrap if not done. |