Housing stock condition survey

Published: Friday 22 November 2024

Every five years we survey all the homes we manage. This gives us a good picture of their general condition and allows us to gather specific information about individual buildings. We’ll be surveying every tenanted home, as well as the outside of buildings and the grounds.

This will be our most detailed survey so far, giving us key information about the condition of roofs, windows, external doors, kitchens, and bathrooms and it will also help us make sure your home is safe and free from any serious hazards.

If you have any questions please call 0800 137 111 and ask to speak to a member of the Asset Management Team. The team can also be reached by emailing [email protected]

Our project team will start the surveys shortly, and have put together a list of out most frequently asked question to help you understand what to expect. 

FAQs 

What is a Stock Condition Survey?
A stock condition survey is a visual inspection of your home's inside and outside, including an assessment of the age and condition of all the main constructional elements and components, such as the kitchen, bathroom, windows and doors, roof, and gutters and downpipes. 

Why have I been asked to take part in the condition survey? 
We are surveying all our housing stock, to help improve the quality of the information we hold, and to provide an accurate picture of the overall condition of homes. It won’t automatically mean work will be carried out at your home in the immediate future. It will just make sure any information we hold about your home is up to date.  

Who will be completing the surveys?
Rapleys LLP will be carrying out the surveys on our behalf. They have experience in completing stock condition surveys and energy performance assessments for various housing organisations throughout the UK. Our surveyors will knock to see if you’re at home to carry out the survey. If you’re not, they may look at your garden, boundaries and surrounding areas, but they’ll have a list of alternative addresses that they can survey if you aren’t available on that day. The surveyor will be carrying a photographic ID, which they will show on arrival.

When will I know when my survey is due?
You will receive a letter from us to let you know when your survey is due. Rapleys will follow up to book a suitable appointment for the survey to be conducted. The project is due to take two years to complete as we will survey all homes across the borough. Please be patient with us as we work to reach all residents as soon as possible.

What does the survey involve and where will the surveyor need access to? 
The surveyor will need access to all rooms, including the loft and all external areas. The surveyor will bring their own ladders and may also need to ask you a few questions to help clarify certain information. Photos may be taken for our internal use and record purposes only. 

How long will the survey take? 
The survey should take no more than 25-30 minutes. The time taken will vary depending on the size of your home, as well as whether the surveyor has already visited a similar property in your street. 
Will I receive a copy of the survey report for my home?
A copy of the survey report will be shared with residents upon request.

Do leaseholders have to have the survey? 
No, surveys will only be carried out in tenanted homes. 

Will the survey cost me anything? 
There is no cost for tenants. If you are a leaseholder, the maximum of up to £100 could be recharged.