This policy outlines our landlord services’ commitment to meeting the legal obligations regarding adaptations for council tenant households, following assessment by an Occupational Therapist. The policy is eligible for those with significant or long-term impairments, highlighting safety, independence, efficiency, and a preventative approach. Emphasis has been placed on increasing the supply of adapted properties and encouraging early minor adaptations for prevention. The policy includes a right to appeal.

The policy outlines our landlord services’ commitment to effectively tackling and mitigating anti-social behavior (ASB) within communities, by addressing the root causes of ASB and utilising a victim-centered approach. The policy prioritises proactive management of ASB cases, collaborative efforts with multi-agency partners, preventative measures to ensure the well-being of victims, and enhance the quality of communities

The policy outlines our landlord services’ commitment to managing asbestos-containing materials within its assets effectively and ensuring compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. The policy extends its duty of care to domestic premises and covers areas such as data management and audit processes to ensure compliance.

This policy outlines our landlord services’ commitment to reducing instances of domestic abuse and provide support to those affected. The policy emphasises a person-centred approach, prioritises victim safety, and engages with perpetrators to prevent further abuse. Collaboration with partner agencies, safeguarding measures, equality, data protection, and complaint handling procedures are also included.

This policy outlines our landlord services’ commitment to managing electrical safety risks through educating tenants and ensuring timely inspections. The policy highlights the importance of secure data management, regular audits, and integration of compliance into governance frameworks, as well as risk management practices, undergoing annual reviews.

This policy outlines our landlord services’ commitment to engaging residents in a manner that respects diverse preferences and needs, gives tenants the opportunity to influence service delivery. It promotes inclusivity through resident feedback, including complaints and increasing the use of digital channels. The policy emphasises accountability and strives for excellence in delivering housing services while celebrating the achievements of residents. 

This policy outlines our landlord services’ commitment to mitigating fire risks in its assets and ensuring the safety of tenants, employees, contractors, and visitors as mandated by The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This is enacted through conducting fire risk assessments, maintaining specialised housing schemes, informing residents about fire safety measures, and accommodating residents with special needs.

This policy outlines our landlord services’ commitment to gas safety obligations within its asset portfolio. It focuses on regular gas safety inspections, provision of inspection reports to residents, staff training, and collaboration with partner organisations. The policy will be reviewed annually.  

This policy sets out how Somerset Council Landlord Service calculates and charges rent on properties and garages, outlining the approach for both social rent and affordable rent, as well as covering rent flexibility. It also outlines the notification periods for rent changes and related detail.

This policy applies to all existing and potential tenants of Somerset Council within the former Somerset West and Taunton area and sets down our plan for letting properties outside of the Homefinder Somerset scheme.

This policy outlines our landlord services’ commitment to managing the risks associated with lifting equipment in its assets and ensuring the safety of employees, contractors, and visitors. Key points include regular inspections, providing residents with inspection reports, safety information and training for staff and contractors, collaboration with partner organisations, data management, assurance through audits, integration with governance processes, and a robust risk management framework. 

The following procedures outline how Somerset Council (SC) plans to oversee the usage of mobility scooters by residents within its directly managed housing portfolio. It’s important to note that this procedure does not encompass electric wheelchairs, as those will be addressed on an individual basis.

This policy outlines our landlord services’ commitment to facilitate fair and efficient exchanges of social housing for general and supported housing. The policy specifies two methods of exchange: assignment; and surrender and re-grant of tenancies. The policy also covers legal grounds for refusing exchanges, clarifies succession rights and Section 106 Agreements and appeals.

This policy outlines our landlord services’ management of non-gas heating appliances in its properties, for the safety of residents, employees, contractors and visitors.

This policy outlines a comprehensive framework for providing financial assistance to homeowners affected by the North Taunton Woolaway Project, offering them the opportunity to secure alternative housing options.

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.

This policy outlines our landlord services’ commitment to making reasonable adjustments to our approach and service offer for disabled tenants, to reduce the likelihood of individuals facing any disadvantages when accessing services. The policy aims to build trust through swift actions, frequent and relevant communications and putting customers at the centre. This will ensure disabled individuals receive the necessary support to access and benefit from services.

This policy outlines our landlord services’ commitment to addressing customer complaints effectively and providing redress in cases of service failure. The policy demonstrates a customer focused approach and accountability to effectively handle complaints.

This policy outlines our landlord services’ commitment to providing quality housing, and ensuring repairs are carried out efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory standards. It outlines both tenants and landlord’s responsibilities, including the contractor’s code of conduct and covers areas such as responsive repairs, fencing, damp and mould, pest control, void, planned maintenance, decants and improvements.

This policy outlines our landlord services’ commitment to protect the wellbeing of all children, young people and adults with care and support needs who engage with their services and activities and how this is everyone’s responsibility. This policy sets out our commitment for handling reported safeguarding concerns and shows how our responsibilities also extend to contractors and grant recipients.

The policy emphasises our balanced duty between honouring customers’ rights to express themselves and maintaining a respectful and efficient working environment for our employees. It also ensures that considerations are made for individuals with disabilities or special communication needs.

This policy outlines our landlord services’ commitment to ensuring tenants have quiet enjoyment of their homes and live in a safe, secure and clean environment. It lists both landlord and tenant responsibilities. The policy also outlines the process for neighbourhood inspections, waste management and hoarding, communal blocks and the surrounding areas, instances of pest infestations, ASB, pets, estate improvement and maintenance works, and mobility scooters.

This policy outlines our landlord services’ commitment to meet the requirement of the Regulator of Social Housing’s Tenancy Standard on the different types of tenancies. The policy covers different types of tenancy, ensuring fairness of letting, rights of access, tenancy sustainment, assignment, mutual exchange, succession and tenancy fraud.

This policy outlines our landlord services’ commitment to incentivising existing tenants who may be under-utilising their properties to move to homes that better align with their current housing needs, and providing the financial support to do so.

This policy outlines our landlord services’ commitment to managing the risk of legionella and waterborne infections in its assets. The policy focuses on educating tenants and provides residents with special needs additional support.