What is an estate inspection?
Somerset Council wants all tenants to live in well-managed and well-maintained housing, in an environment that is attractive, safe, and secure where customers can live free from nuisance, intimidation and harassment. We routinely check the quality of the estates we are responsible for; this process is called an Estate Inspection. Over the year, we aim to inspect all our large estates 4 times a year.
Estate Inspections are carried out by either the Tenancy and Estates Case Manager or the Sheltered Housing Case Manager, sometimes accompanied by other teams. We encourage tenant involvement and provide support to help them participate in these inspections.
Before we begin an Estate Inspection, residents are informed well in advance through this newsletter, our website, the Tenants' Hub Facebook group and a text message which is sent 10 days before the inspection.
What happens during an estate inspection
Here is a summary of the key checks carried out during an inspection:
- Roof coverings or overhead structures (e.g. gutters and balconies)
- Maintenance of grassed areas
- Footpaths and steps for potential hazards Safety and security of drain covers
- Bin areas, including dog bin areas
- Graffiti, fly-tipping or litter build-up
- Play areas for obvious damage
- Public walkways for potential hazards
- Street lighting
- Raised shrub and flower beds
- Boundary fencing and walls
- Untidy gardens, broken meter cupboards, untaxed/unroadworthy vehicles or signs of abandoned properties
- Parking issues, including cars, caravans or lorries
- Review of estate maintenance and cleaning contractor performance
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Tree checks during September/October, especially overhanging branches