Planned Maintenance
Providing a high quality maintenance service and protecting the investment in the Association’s property is a top priority. We have a planned maintenance programme which covers kitchen and bathroom replacements, close redecoration and renewal of central heating boilers etc.
A Major Repairs programme began in January 2018 and was completed in May 2019 for property built in 1930’s and improved in 1990’s. It included new external wall insulation, gutters, downpipes, windows and close doors for 17 closes (102 houses) at a cost around £1.6 million. A programme to renew around 30 kitchens and boilers began in March 2018, costing around £150,000 (£5,000 per house). Bathroom renewals began in May 2018 in 18 homes. The Association tries to better what is in place, rather than just replacing like for like, and uses good quality materials.
The Scottish Government has confirmed that all associations in Scotland must meet the new standard for fire safety by February 2021. Association properties have mains wired smoke alarms, which are replaced as required or when they reach their 10 year life span, whichever is sooner. The new standard will require that every home has:
• one smoke alarm in the room most frequently used
• one smoke alarm in every circulation space, such as hallways
• one heat alarm in every kitchen
• ceiling mounted smoke and heat alarms
• interlinked smoke and heat alarms
The Association will consider how this can be funded and will establish a programme of work.
Gas Servicing
The Association, like all landlords, has a legal duty under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 to carry out an annual Gas Safety Check. All gas heating and hot water appliances are serviced at least once in every 12 months.
Servicing of your gas equipment is extremely important for your health and safety and the health and safety of others who share the building. The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning or gas explosion is a real threat and annual servicing greatly reduces any such risks.
Tenants must allow reasonable access (morning or afternoon) to allow the Gas Safety Check to be carried out. Failure to allow is a breach of the Tenancy Agreement and entry can be forced to the home.
Stock Condition Survey
A stock condition survey was carried out in 2017. The results confirmed that 100% of Blochairn’s housing stock complies with the Scottish Housing Quality Standard and the Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing.
Energy Performance Certificates
The Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing (EESSH) aims to improve the energy efficiency of social housing in Scotland. An Energy Performance Certificate is obtained before a house is allocated. It gives information on how energy efficient a building is.
August 2019 – Property Decoration
- Following the Major Repairs programme the 17 upgraded properties are being decorated, including external railings
- New bathrooms will be fitted at 19/27 Dunolly Street and 3/7 Sandmill Street