What Should You Expect From Us Before Moving in

We would like you to be safe, comfortable and happy in your new home. We recognise that moving to a new home is one of life's major events and want to make sure your property is ready for your arrival.

The Void Property Standard offers guidance on standards applied to all of our properties. Our aim is to ensure that properties offer a home in a good state of repair meeting all statutory requirements.

Health & Safety

We will only hand over your new house keys when we are satisfied nothing in your new home represents a safety risk.

The following health and safety checks are carried out on empty properties:

Electrical Inspection – Electrical services to the property will have been inspected for faults and general integrity. A NICEIC periodic test and inspection certificate will be issued. A copy test certificate, which confirms all aspects of the original electrical installation meets current compliance standards and are safe to use, will be supplied to you upon moving in.

Gas Safety Check – Gas services to the property will have been inspected for faults and general integrity and a Landlord’s Gas Safety Record certificate will be issued when you move in. The certificate confirms that all aspects of the original gas installation are safe for use and meet current standards.. Details for turn and test arrangements, where required, will also be provided.

Energy Performance – An Energy Performance Certificate will be issued when you move in after an energy performance assessment has been completed. The certificate covers levels of insulation and other useful energy saving advice will be supplied to you upon moving in.

Asbestos Check – A visual check of any potential asbestos content will have been completed. A report detailing the location, type and condition of any damaged asbestos within the property will be issued where required.

Fire Protection – A check will have been completed to ensure that the property meets current regulations with fire doors and closers fitted where appropriate.

What can you expect of Ashford Borough Council?

All properties are inspected under our Void Property Standard when they become vacant Any work identified will be completed before a new tenant moves in. Properties are then re-inspected after completion of any work. This is to ensure an acceptable standard of safety and quality has been maintained.

Security – A check will be carried out to ensure doors and windows are working properly. Locks to external doors will have been changed and you will receive two keys for each external door. Where possible, window locks will be fitted and you will be provided with keys for appropriate units. Where a door entry system is installed you will be provided with two access fobs. Additional fobs will be available for purchase if required.

Cleanliness – All surfaces will have been cleaned and disinfected. Particular attention is paid to kitchens, bathrooms, sinks, baths, basins and toilets to enable their immediate use.

Clearance – All properties, associated garages, sheds and outhouses will have been cleared of refuse and other debris.

Appliances – All standard fitment appliances including central heating systems, electric showers, storage heaters and electric convector heaters will have been checked for compliance, operation and serviced where necessary.

Heating – All properties will have adequate and appropriate methods of space heating.

General – Taps, wastes and overflows will be free from leaks and in full working order.

Internal Decorations – Properties are not redecorated so this may be required.

Floors – Sub floors will be safe and provide a flat surface for any chosen covering. Defective floorboards or floor tiles will be replaced to match existing style, where possible.

Kitchen – The kitchen will provide a balance between preparation area, storage and space for the installation of white goods. Where permitted, there will be a minimum of the following:

one single drainer stainless steel sink,
one double wall unit or two single wall units,
two base units,
sufficient space provision for a fridge or fridge/freezer, a washing machine and a cooker,
plumbing for a washing machine,
a minimum single course of ceramic tiles above worktops and sinks.

Where a choice of power source exists for a cooker, the gas supply pipe will have been capped off and made safe. This is then ready for connection by your preferred service provider. Similarly, the electrical supply will be ready for connection by a suitably qualified person.

Ventilation – All vents will be clear of obstructions and a visual inspection of extractor fans will have been completed.

Bathrooms and W.Cs – All bathrooms, where space permits, will provide the following: Bath with side and or end panel, toilet suite with cistern and a sink.

Shower heads – Will be replaced where only form of washing (as in wet rooms).

Aids and Adaptations – Properties that have been adapted for use by a previous tenant will not be reinstated to their original status as part of the void standard process. However, redundant items such as stair lifts may be removed where there is no demand by our new tenant.

Insulation – All roof spaces will be insulated to a minimum depth including trap doors. Tanks and pipes in the roof space will be lagged.

Damp and Condensation – Potential sources of damp and condensation will be inspected with appropriate corrective action. If necessary, we will involve the services of a specialist consultancy company.

External Structure – The roof will be in good condition and weather tight. Guttering and downpipes will be fully operational.

Fences and Boundaries – Fences, gates and walls that form boundaries to Public Highways and/or Public Footpaths will be in serviceable condition.

Sheds and Greenhouses – Sheds and greenhouses in a safe and serviceable condition will be left in-situ. However, future maintenance is the responsibility of our tenant.

Gardens – Gardens will be clear of refuse or debris.

Paths Driveways and Hard standings – Paths, driveways and hard standings will be in serviceable condition.

Reminders checklist

Change of address – You will need to inform all family, friends and important contacts, like you employer, schools, banks, council tax, current utility service providers, etc of your new address and move in date.

Gas supply – Where there is a live gas supply to the property and this is your preferred energy source, you will need to arrange and pay for a connection to the gas supply. This can be done directly with your chosen service provider.

Electricity supply – You will need to arrange for connection to the electrical supply. This can be done directly with your chosen service provider.

Sky, Cable TV, Telephones, Broadband – You will need to arrange for the transfer, and/or installation, of any satellite, cable TV, telephone and broadband services.

Domestic appliances – You will need to provide white goods e.g. fridges, freezers, washing machines, ovens and or cookers, etc and ensure that they are correctly installed.