We work hard to make sure your homes are in a well-maintained condition, and we pay for all maintenance and investment work from funding generated from rental income and services charges. We call this the Housing Revenue Account (HRA).  

We are focusing our maintenance and investment programme on our responsibilities and how we comply with the Regulator of Social Housing’s Consumer Standards and the Social Housing Act 2023.  This means our budget priorities are on keeping homes safe or to standard.  

What is a condition survey?

A condition survey is a visual inspection inside and outside your home. The surveyor will check areas like:

• Kitchen and bathroom
• Windows and doors
• Insulation and heating system

These surveys help us plan future maintenance. We aim to carry them out at least once every five years.

Who will carry out the survey?

The survey will be completed by a surveyor from MLCS3. They’ll show you their ID badge before entering your home.

• Surveys typically take around 30 minutes
• The surveyor won’t record or inspect outstanding repairs. If you need a repair, please contact Mears directly.

How will I know when my survey is happening?

You’ll receive a letter in advance to let you know when your survey is scheduled.

• You don’t need to prepare anything in advance
• Can’t be home? Call MLCS3 on 0800 862 0904 to rearrange or if you have any ask questions

What happens after the survey?

Once complete, the survey data helps us plan upgrades and long-term maintenance.

We are working towards making all of our homes compliant to the Government’s Decent Homes Standard, and you can find out more about this on their website.

You might want to make improvements to your council home, and we are happy for you to make minor changes without our permission like decorating, changing carpets or putting up shelves. 

For anything else this would need to be considered as an alteration and you will need to let us know what you want to do and receive written permission before you begin.  Otherwise, you will be liable for the costs of putting things right. 

If you want to make alterations to your council home, you need to get permission from the Council first. 

Approval Criteria 

• Minor Alterations: Permission is usually granted if the request is for a reasonable minor alteration and the work will be done to a good standard.
• Major Alterations: Requests for major and intrusive alterations will not be considered.
• Electric vehicle charging points: In line with our recent review of Electric Vehicle Charging Options for Tenants it’s important to know that MKCC currently does not approve requests to install electric vehicle (EV) charging points at council homes. This decision is based on prioritising resources to ensure homes are safe and affordable to heat. Read more about electric vehicle charging options for tenants.

Apply for Permission 

1. Read the Introduction page on the online tenants alterations online form                   
2. If you believe you meet the approval criteria complete the online form with full details of your proposed changes.
3. Your request will be reviewed as soon as possible, but please allow up to 20 working days for a response.  

If you need to make adaptations to help you or someone who is disabled in your home, you might be eligible for equipment and adaptations from the Council.