Stock Condition Surveys
Understanding the Survey
What is a Stock Condition Survey, and why are you carrying it out?
A Stock Condition Survey is a visual inspection of your home's major components (e.g., kitchen, bathroom, windows, doors, roof, electrics). It assesses their age, condition, and expected lifespan. We carry it out to:
- Meet our legal and regulatory duties (like the Decent Homes Standard).
- Plan future repairs and investment (e.g., when your kitchen or windows are due for replacement) over the next 5-30 years.
- Ensure we are making efficient financial decisions and keeping homes safe and well-maintained.
How long does the survey take?
Typically, a visual stock condition survey takes around 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the size and type of your home (e.g., a flat vs. a large house).
Will the surveyor report my outstanding repairs?
The Stock Condition Survey is not a mechanism for reporting day-to-day repairs. If you have an outstanding repair, you must report it through our normal process (e.g., calling our repairs line or using our online portal). If the surveyor identifies an immediate hazard or emergency repair, they will report it separately right away.
They will also leave a form for you to complete, should you wish to, about your family living with you or other people living in your home. This is to help us understand more fully how we can tailor our services to meet your needs.
Who is the surveyor, and how do I know they are genuine?
The survey will be carried out by one of our in-house surveyors and they will:
- Carry an official photo ID badge and/or a letter of authorisation from us.
- Please ask to see their ID upon arrival. If you have any concerns about their identity, please call the number provided in your appointment letter before letting them in.
Access and Preparation
What areas of my home will the surveyor need access to?
The surveyor will need visual access to all rooms inside your property (kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms, etc.), the exterior of the property, and potentially the loft space (if applicable and safely accessible). They may also check communal areas if you live in a block of flats.
Do I need to move furniture or make any special arrangements?
No, as it is a visual inspection, you typically don't need to move furniture or make special arrangements. However, please ensure that key items like your gas meter, electricity box, and boiler are easily accessible. If you have personal items in the loft, the surveyor will be careful and respectful of your belongings.
Is it mandatory for me to allow access for the survey?
Yes. Your tenancy agreement includes a clause requiring you to provide the landlord reasonable access to carry out essential checks, including stock condition surveys. These surveys are vital for ensuring your home is safe and properly maintained in line with the required standards.
What if I can't make the scheduled appointment time?
Please contact us as soon as possible using the number provided on your appointment letter. We will work with you to reschedule the appointment for a more suitable day and time.
Survey Results and Follow-Up
If the surveyor finds an issue, will it be fixed immediately?
The survey assesses the long-term condition of components. Most issues identified will be recorded in our asset management system and used to schedule future planned works.
If the surveyor finds an urgent health and safety hazard, it will be reported immediately for an emergency repair.
How will I find out the results of the survey for my home?
The survey results are collated into a large report to inform our overall long-term investment plan. We generally don't provide an individual report for every home.
However, once the survey data leads to a planned major work or improvement (e.g., a new kitchen or heating system), we will write to you separately to inform you of the proposed work and timescale. You also have a right, under new regulations, to request information we hold about the condition of your home.
Will having the survey mean I get a new kitchen/bathroom soon?
The survey information helps us determine when major works are due based on the age and condition of your components. If your components are found to be nearing the end of their design life (e.g., a 25-year-old kitchen), you will be included in a future improvement programme. You will be contacted directly when works are scheduled for your home.
Does the survey cost me anything?
No. As a resident, there is no cost to you for allowing the Stock Condition Survey to take place. The landlord covers the cost of the survey as part of its asset management responsibilities.