Adaptations
This policy shows how we help make homes better for council tenants who need it. An Occupational Therapist will check if you need changes.
We want more homes with these changes and to do small changes early. If you don’t agree with a decision, you can ask for it to be checked again.
Anti-social behaviour
This policy shows how our landlord services will deal with anti-social behaviour in communities. We want to stop the causes of anti-social behaviour and help the people affected.
Asbestos
This policy shows how our landlord services will keep people safe from asbestos. We follow the Asbestos Regulations 2012.
Domestic abuse
This policy shows how our landlord services will help stop domestic abuse and support those affected.
Electrical safety
This policy shows how our landlord services will keep people safe from electrical problems.
Engagement
This policy shows how our landlord services will work with residents in a way that respects everyone’s different needs and preferences. We want tenants to help shape our services.
Fire safety
This policy shows how our landlord services will keep people safe from fires. We follow the Fire Safety Order 2005.
Gas safety
This policy shows how our landlord services will keep people safe from gas problems.
Rent
This policy explains how Somerset Council decides the rent for houses and garages. It talks about two types of rent: social rent and affordable rent. It also explains how rent can change and how they will tell you about these changes.
Lettings
This policy is for everyone who rents or wants to rent a house from Somerset Council in the old Somerset West and Taunton area. It explains how we rent out houses that are not part of Homefinder Somerset.
Lift and Lifting Equipment
This policy shows how our landlord services will keep people safe when using lifting equipment.
Mobility
The following procedures explain how Somerset Council will manage the use of mobility scooters by people living in their houses. It’s important to know that these rules do not include electric wheelchairs, which will be handled separately.
Mutual Exchange
This policy explains how our landlord services help people swap their social housing fairly and quickly. There are two ways to swap: assignment, and surrender and re-grant of tenancies. The policy also explains why some swaps might not be allowed, who can take over a tenancy, and special rules called Section 106 Agreements and appeals.
Non-gas heating
This policy explains how our landlord services take care of non-gas heaters in their houses to keep everyone safe. This includes residents, workers, contractors, and visitors.
North Taunton Woolaway loan scheme
This policy explains how we will help homeowners affected by the North Taunton Woolaway Project. It shows how we will give them financial assistance to find new places to live.
Radon
This policy outlines our landlord services’ commitment to ensuring the safety of its residents and stakeholders by effectively managing the risk of radon gas in its properties.
Reasonable Adjustments
This policy explains how our landlord services will help disabled tenants by making changes to our services. We want to make sure they don’t face any problems when using our services. The policy aims to build trust by acting quickly, communicating often, and focusing on the needs of our customers. This way, disabled people will get the support they need to use and benefit from our services.
Housing Redress
This policy explains how our landlord services will handle customer complaints and fix problems when things go wrong. It shows that we care about our customers and take responsibility for solving their complaints.
Repairs and maintenance
This policy explains how our landlord services promise to provide good housing and make sure repairs are done quickly and correctly. It tells what both tenants and landlords need to do, including rules for workers. It covers things like fixing problems, fences, damp and mould, pest control, empty homes, planned maintenance, moving out, and improvements.
Safeguarding
This policy explains how our landlord services promise to keep all children, young people and adults who need care and support, safe when they use our services. It says that everyone is responsible for this. The policy also explains how we will handle any safety concerns and shows that our responsibilities include workers and people who get grants from us.
Customer behaviour
This policy explains how we balance letting customers express themselves and keeping a respectful and efficient workplace for our employees. It also makes sure we think about people with disabilities or special communication needs.
Tenancy and neighbourhood management
Tenancy and Neighbourhood Management Policy
This policy explains how our landlord services promise to make sure tenants can enjoy their homes quietly and live in a safe, secure, and clean place. It lists what both landlords and tenants need to do. The policy also explains how we will check neighbourhoods, manage waste and hoarding, take care of communal areas, deal with pests, handle anti-social behaviour (ASB), manage pets, improve and maintain estates, and use mobility scooters.
Tenancy Policy
This policy explains how our landlord services promise to follow the rules for different types of tenancies set by the Regulator of Social Housing. It covers different kinds of tenancies, making sure they are fair, and explains tenants’ rights, how to keep tenancies, swap homes, take over a tenancy, and prevent tenancy fraud.
Tenant Removal Grant Policy
This policy explains how our landlord services will encourage tenants who have more space than they need to move to homes that fit their needs better. Providing financial support to help with the move.
Water safety
This policy explains how our landlord services will manage the risk of legionella and other waterborne infections in their buildings. It focuses on teaching tenants about these risks and giving extra help to residents with special needs.