Families moving into council homes in North Yorkshire are set to benefit from a new policy aimed at raising the quality of properties for tenants. North Yorkshire Council has introduced a lettable standard that outlines the minimum condition a council-owned home must meet before being re-let.
The new guidelines cover key areas including internal decoration, heating systems, and floor coverings. This move reflects the council’s commitment to fairness and consistency for all tenants across the county.
The standard was formally approved this month and will be implemented across the council’s housing service. Tenants have already voiced their approval. Audrey and Ricky Smith, who moved into their new home in Richmond three weeks ago, praised the council’s efforts.
The couple, who have been council tenants for nearly 40 years, described the moving process as straightforward. Mrs Smith said the property was ready to move into with no work needed, easing the usual pressures of moving house.
“We’re delighted with how it’s gone, and the house is perfect,” she said. “After 39 years with the council, we wanted to downsize and this experience has exceeded all our expectations.”
Mrs Smith also welcomed the new lettable standard, highlighting the peace of mind it offers tenants. She added: “Knowing the house you’re moving into is of the best quality makes a big difference, even if it means waiting a little longer.”
This initiative forms part of the council’s wider efforts to improve the consistency of service tenants receive, regardless of location. It also supports the management of empty homes by ensuring essential work is completed while properties are unoccupied, minimising disruption for new residents.
Cllr Simon Myers, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for housing, said it is vital to provide safe and comfortable homes. “We own and manage 8,500 properties across the county,” he said. “This new lettable standard shows our ambition to offer every resident the same high standard of housing, wherever they live.”
Between April 2024 and March this year, 467 empty properties were upgraded and re-let, accounting for more than five per cent of the council’s housing stock.
The lettable standard follows the council’s recently adopted housing improvement strategy, a five-year plan focused on improving services and ensuring tenants’ voices are heard.
For more information and advice for tenants, including how to report repairs, visit North Yorkshire Council’s website at https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/housingtenants.
