AFF Housing Specialist Cat Calder tells us what you – and CarillionAmey (CA) – are responsible for when moving into Service Families Accommodation (SFA)…
YOURS
- Arrive in good time
- If possible, arrange removals for the day after so that you don’t feel pressurised
- Read the CA move-in guide so that you know what to expect
- Allow the Allocations Officer (AO) to do their job – the new contract has made some significant changes
- Check that: the bins are present, all windows and doors have keys, window restrictors work and safety certificates are in-date. Turn the heating on and check that the radiators are working and there’s hot water
- Check that the cooker, shower and taps work
- Check each room thoroughly using the CA tick sheet as a guide
- Take photos of any issues
- Any faults or cleaning issues must be recorded on the paperwork along with what the AO intends to do to rectify the problem within 24 hours – even if this has been discussed verbally
- Existing issues such as stains or chips should be noted on your 14-day report to ensure that you are not charged at move-out
- When you sign the form, you are signing to accept that the SFA is at move-in standard. It’s vitally important to ensure that all issues are on the paperwork – giving you an audit trail for any future complaints.
THEIRS
- That the SFA is at the move-in standard. The AO should have checked the SFA several days before your move-in
- The AO will allow up to an hour for the move-in
- They will take you to each room, show that everything works (windows, locks, heating, cooker etc) and where the stopcock and gas emergency cut-off are
- The AO will note any issues on the paperwork and will arrange for any recorded issues to be resolved within 24-hours
- You will be left with the relevant safety certificates and operating instructions for appliances
- The AO will record meter readings or oil levels
- The AO will ask you to sign the paperwork accepting the house – ensure that all issues are noted before you sign
- If there is an unexpected issue that cannot be fixed and you can’t move-in, such as an uninhabitable fault, the AO will arrange alternative accommodation. This may be another SFA or a hotel.
For more details on the process or tick sheets, visit carillionamey.co.uk
If you experience any issues at move-in, please let AFF know at housing@aff.org.uk