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South Tyneside Homes

South Tyneside Homes Putting housing at the heart of South Tyneside Contact us - South Tyneside Homes 0191 423 4000 Fix it 0800 694 6900
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Decent Homes Standard

When is my house due to have the decent homes work?
All properties have to be brought up to a Decent Standard by 2013.
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What do I need to do to qualify to have the Decent Homes work done?
Nothing, every council owned property in South Tyneside would have the Decent Homes work carried out. Privately owned homes DO NOT qualify to have any of the work done.
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Who decides what work needs to be done to my property to bring it up to a Decent Standard?
When your home is due to have the work done, a surveyor will call to your home to have a look at what work will need to be carried out. Every property will have an individual survey, so not everyone will receive the same elements of work, assuming it is required. There are factors to be taken into consideration, for example age and condition of the elements in your home, for example if you had a kitchen fitted approx 2 years ago, it could be the case that it would not need to be renewed under the Decent Homes Programme.
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How much notice will I be given before any work is carried out?
We try to ensure that if you are having any work carried out we will inform you at least 2 months before. You will receive a letter informing you that you have been included in the programme and detailing what needs to be done before any work starts.
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I am disabled and need a walk in shower?
If your property is due to have work done, a Tenant Liaison Officer will call to your home, they will make a note of your needs and arrange for a officer from the adaptations team to come and carry out an assessment of your needs, if it is decided that you need to have a shower installed it will be done at the same time as the decent homes work.
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I have a walk in shower; can this be taken out and replaced with a new bath when the decent homes work is carried out?
No, we will not take out a shower and replace it with a bath, the shower was put in for a specific reason and will not be changed, you accepted the property the way it was when you viewed it and signed the tenancy agreement. It would only be changed in exceptional circumstances.
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My kitchen/bathroom/doors etc are in a poor state and need to be replaced now; I can't wait for the Decent Homes work?
We cannot put anyone ahead and have to follow the programme, if this is the case you will need to contact your local housing office and raise an order to have them repaired.
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I am very elderly and don't think I will be able to cope with the work?
When your home is due to be done, a Tenant Liaison Officer will come out to visit you, they will explain everything to you, if you are still in doubt you can refuse to have the work carried out.
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I only want to have my kitchen renewed and don't want any other work done?
Unfortunately if your property needs to have more work then we need to carry out all of the work in order to bring it up to the Governments Decent Standard. Our policy is all or nothing, you have to have all work carried out or nothing at all.
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How long does the work finish from start to finish?
If you are having both internal and external work it could take approximately 3 - 4 weeks. Although please be aware that the contractors may not need to be in your home every day, they will also let you know when they are coming and will make a suitable appointment.
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What hours do the contractors work during the day?
The contractor's work from 8.00am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday, therefore access to your home could be at any time during these hours. You will receive at least seven days notice before work starts on the first day.
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Will the contractor be in the house every day during the modernisation period?
No, the contractor will not be required to be in your home every day during the works. There will be days when no work can be carried out when waiting for plasterwork to dry out etc. The contractor should inform you at the end of the working day if they are returning the following day, or how long you will be without workmen.
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I work shifts, what will happen?
We appreciate that some people do work shifts, but we would ask if possible to spend time with family or friends. During the modernisation of your home we do need access to complete the work, so if access is denied for any reason, it will only increase the length of time needed to complete work to your home. If it is not possible to do this, then please speak to your Tenant Liaison Officer to make alternative arrangements.
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Can I leave the contractors alone in my home?
All our contractors are very trustworthy and reliable. If you want to go out during the day whilst work is being carried out in your home, you can do so. If you have any further concerns please speak to your Tenant Liaison Officer.
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Will I be given assistance to move furniture if I cannot manage?
Packing boxes can be provided for you when it comes to storing some of your belongings. We can provide help where necessary, please inform your Tenant Liaison Officer as soon as possible so we can arrange any help you may require.
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Who will be carrying out the work to my home?
South Tyneside Homes in house team will be carrying some of the work, but at South Tyneside homes we also employ contractors to carry out the work. You will receive a letter several weeks before any works starts informing you of the name of the contractor carrying out the work.
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Will my carpets and furniture be protected?
It is included in the contractor's code of conduct that dustsheets will be provided and used to protect the carpets and furniture.
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What about my laminate flooring?
The contractor will do his best not to damage the flooring if you leave it down, however he will not be held responsible for any accidental damage. It is your responsibility to ensure that laminate flooring is lifted and relayed. Ideally this should be done before any of the work starts.
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What do I do about my cat/dog?
Your pets should be kept out of the way of the workmen to avoid injury to either party. If it is possible take them to a relatives, friend or neighbour. If this is not possible please speak to a member of the site team who will advise you of which rooms they will not be working in and where your pet can be put.
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Will my rent go up?
No, there will be no rent increase due to the decent homes programme other than your normal increase the following April as normal.
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Will I be consulted about the design of my new kitchen?
Yes, your kitchen will be designed to accommodate your fridge/freezer, washing machine and cooker. A kitchen planner will call to your home, he will have a design already for you kitchen, and however if you feel that you are not entirely happy with the design they will be happy to sit with you and make any changes if they can.
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What if I have applied to buy my home?
No improvements works will be carried out if you have submitted a Right to Buy Application (RTB), however if you withdraw your application immediately, your home can then be added back onto the contract for the works to be carried out. If not however, South Tyneside Homes still have an obligation to ensure that your home is structurally sound and watertight so of course will continue to carry out essential repairs as and when they arise, until the time comes when your Right to Buy is complete and you become the legal owner of the property.
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The area I live in requires work done to improve the local environment like better car parking and fencing. Will this work be undertaken?
There is some limited money available for this type of work. The intention is to involve local people along with South Tyneside Homes to determine how this will be spent.
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