frequently asked questions about decent homes

Will my rent go up to pay for the decent homes work?

No. Rents will be kept affordable, and will not increase any more than normal. Rent rises will be linked to inflation, and not used to pay for improvements.

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What kind of improvements will we get?

Homes for Haringey wants all tenants’ homes to meet the Homes for Haringey decent homes standard as soon as possible. Over half of our properties already meet the government’s decent homes standard so you may not need any work done.

Homes for Haringey achieved a 2 star rating from the Audit Commission and we have recently had funding of £198.5m confirmed by the DCLG to fund the decent homes programme.

The work we do will depend on surveys we carry out on all Homes for Haringey homes. The work may include:

  • new double-glazed windows
  • new external front and back doors if you need them
  • a new fitted kitchen - if yours is over 20 years old or in poor condition - with vinyl flooring, tiling, redecoration and updates to electrical fittings
  • a new bathroom suite if yours is more than 30 years old including vinyl flooring, tiling and redecoration
  • rewiring where required to modern standards, including a smoke detector
  • upgrades to your heating if necessary, to ensure reliability and energy-efficiency
  • loft and cavity wall insulation if your home needs it
  • roof works as necessary
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When will we get the improvements?

Once the Decent Homes contractors have completed the surveys of Homes for Haringey properties, we’ll know what work is needed. Where work is needed, we will be in contact with the resident.

The programme of work started in April 2008. The funding from the Department for Communities and Local Government is spread over 6 years but we are aiming to complete the work under a 5 year programme. Between now and then we will be carrying out surveys to determine the extent of the works

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How will Homes for Haringey determine what works are carried out to my home?

A survey will be carried out to the whole property. The results of the survey will be compared to the Homes for Haringey decent homes standard. This will determine the extent of work to your home. Not all homes will need work.

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I'm applying to buy my home under the Right to Buy - how will this be affected?

We will not carry out improvements to kitchens and bathrooms until a right to buy application has been resolved or withdrawn. All the surveys and inspection work will be carried out as planned although we will not start until the Right to Buy is resolved. For more information, email decenthomes@homesforharingey.org .

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Will the money only be used on the inside of properties?

Homes for Haringey has set aside a budget of £10 million for environmental improvements (this represents 5% of the available funds). We will consult local tenants’ representatives, officers and local councillors on the best way to spend this. An initial assessment of the environmental needs of the stock is underway as part of the estate inspections process.

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What is a decent home?

In order to set a national target, the Government have developed a common definition of what a "Decent Home" is.

In Haringey, we have developed our own standard, which is better than the government one.

The Homes for Haringey standard says that homes should be:

  • be warm and energy efficient
  • be secure
  • be safe and free from major disrepair
  • meet the needs of residents
  • be fully accessible
  • be a safe and pleasant environment which people are proud to live in
  • have reasonably modern facilities.
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What does the standard apply to?

The Homes for Haringey decent homes standard only applies to the actual property. It does not apply to the quality of the area around the home, like that from the front door to the street, or the environment of the neighbourhood.

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What will happen after the programme has ended?

Homes for Haringey is committed to continuous improvement and to making sure that once homes are made to comply with the Homes for Haringey decent homes standard they are kept that way.

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What choices will I have?

Homes for Haringey has a strong commitment to providing a choice of services to our customers. This means that where work has to be done you will be consulted. This consultation will include:

  • When and how work is done.
  • Proposals for the layout of your kitchen.
  • The choice of finishes available for your kitchens if they are to be renewed, for example kitchen units, worktops, flooring and wall tiles.
  • The choice of finishes available for paint colours.
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What if I don't want work carried out?

If you don’t want internal improvements, you have the right to refuse them, unless there is a health and safety risk.

Remember, the rent you pay for your home will not be affected by the Decent Homes work, whether we do the work or not.

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Will my views be taken into account?

It is very important to the Council and Homes for Haringey that as many residents as possible have their say on decent homes. If you want to find out how to get involved, contact the Resident Involvement team on 020 8489 4463 or email resident.involvement@homesforharingey.org

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Which homes will have the work done first?

Homes for Haringey staff have been working closely with groups of resident representatives to establish the best way of deciding which homes will receive what work first. In addition to this the surveys process will identify the stock in greatest need.

There are some properties that will definitely be included in the first year of the programme because they need work done urgently. Those properties are:

Albert Vittoria HouseMoreton Close
Altair CloseMoreton Road
Barker HouseNursery Street
Broadwater RoadOsman Close
Carlton LodgeOtway Court
Gaven HouseParkland Road
Granville RoadQueen Street
Grimshaw CloseRowlands Close
Grovelands RoadTewkesbury Close
Leabank HouseThe Weymarks
Lemsford HouseTillet House
Miller HouseTiverton Road
Milton RoadWhite Hart Lane
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Where can I get further information?

If you still have a question about decent homes email decenthomes@homesforharingey.org

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Page Last Updated: 1st February 2010

This page belongs to the following categories :
- Housing > Council housing
- Housing > Housing improvement and repairs
- Housing > Housing improvement and repairs > Modernising homes