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What is Cornerstone’s Minimum Lettable Standard?
The Standards You Can Expect When You Move In
When you move into a Cornerstone home, we want to make sure it meets our high standards. We have clear rules about what condition a property should be in before you move in. This is called our minimum lettable standard.
Our minimum lettable standard covers everything from the structure of the building to the cleanliness of each room. It makes sure your new home is safe, clean and in good working order. We check each property carefully before you move in to make sure it meets these standards.
What We Check in Your Home
Here you can find detailed information about what we check and what we provide in each area of your home. If you have any questions about these standards, or if you feel your home does not meet them, please contact us.
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- All properties will be structurally sound and safe
- Roofs will be wind and weather tight
- All windows will be double glazed and weathertight, except where local planning regulations require single glazing. Keys will be provided for windows with locking mechanisms
- New door cylinders and locks will be installed on both front and rear access doors, with thumb turns fitted where applicable
- Loft spaces will be insulated to a depth of 270mm and cleared of any belongings left by previous tenants to improve your home’s energy efficiency
- All light bulbs will be replaced with energy efficient alternatives
- Rainwater goods, such as downpipes and guttering, will be watertight and free from blockages
- Where windowsills are below acceptable height (800mm), protection will have been put in place against falling from windows
- Asbestos inspections will be carried out, and the locations of any identified Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs) will be shared with the incoming tenant
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- Gardens will be left tidy, free from rubbish, trip hazards and any defects in paving
- Trees subject to a Preservation Order will be pruned only when necessary and in accordance with relevant guidelines
- Fencing and gates will be made safe in line with the Fencing Policy
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- All rubbish, personal items and debris will be removed. Floors will be swept, vacuumed and mopped unless carpets are being retained, in which case they will be cleaned. Internal windows, sills and frames will be cleaned, and all doors, handles, light switches and skirting boards will be wiped down. Cobwebs will be removed from ceilings and corners and radiators, including the areas behind them where accessible, will be cleaned
- There will be no damp, dry rot or infestation
- Carpets are not provided as standard. Good quality carpets left by the previous tenant may be gifted to the incoming tenant if the incoming tenant accepts responsibility for them
- Floor coverings are only provided in the bathroom and kitchen
- Kitchen and bathroom will have an extractor fitted. In the case this can’t be fitted in the wall then ceiling or glazing mounted units would be considered
- The property will be decorated to a reasonable standard using neutral colours. In some cases, existing decoration may be retained for the incoming tenant, which may not reflect individual preferences
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- Each room will be adequately ventilated
- Have a fully operational door (with working handles etc.)
- Be free from health and safety risks such as protruding nails
- Safety glazing will be installed on all window panes positioned below 800mm from floor level, as well as on all applicable glazed doors
- There will be adequate light fittings for each room with at least one low energy light bulb
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- Work surfaces and splashback tiling will be installed to a minimum height of 300mm above kitchen services
- A sink unit with drainer, plug and taps will be provided. Refer to the Aids and Adaptations Policy for further details
- A dedicated electric cooker point will be installed, with a gas point included where available
- An adequate hot and cold water supply will be available
- Flooring will be moisture resistant and have reduced slip properties
- The kitchen will have adequate ventilation, including a working extractor fan
- Where space permits, a minimum of two double base units and two double wall units will be fitted
- Plumbing and an electrical connection for a washing machine will be provided, unless there is access to a communal laundry room
- All kitchen cupboards will be deep cleaned inside and out. Worktops, splashbacks and tiles will be thoroughly cleaned. Cookers, hobs and extractor fans (where present) will be degreased and cleaned. Sinks, taps and plugholes will be cleaned and all surfaces will be descaled and polished
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- A bath or shower, basin with plugs and taps, and a WC with a new seat will be provided
- All baths will include an overhead electric shower
- Showers over baths will have a new curtain and track. Some shower trays may feature glass screens or enclosures
- An adequate hot and cold water supply will be available
- Tiling or aqua board will be installed along the full length of the bath or shower tray, extending to the ceiling and properly sealed
- The bathroom will have adequate ventilation, including a working extractor fan
- A door with a privacy lock will be fitted
- Washable reduced slip flooring will be installed
- Wet rooms will be fitted with non slip flooring and adequate grab rails (if additional are required please contact Cornerstone and refer to our aids and adaptation policy)
- To ensure cleanliness and hygiene, the toilet, bath, shower, sink and taps will be thoroughly cleaned. Limescale and mould will be removed from tiles, grout and fittings. Mirrors, shelves and any storage units will be cleaned, and plugholes will be checked to ensure they are clear and draining freely
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- A valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) will be provided
- Heating will be installed to ensure a reasonable level of comfort throughout the property
- Plumbing and drainage systems will be checked and confirmed to be free from leaks
- Valid gas and electrical safety checks will be completed prior to occupation
- A trip switch RCD fuse box will be fitted
- Wired smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms will be installed where gas appliances are present
- A suitable space for refuse and recycling disposal will be available
- Where applicable, key meters will be reset ahead of the new tenancy
Page last updated: 20th November 2025