OHG - Estate Inspections Photobook V2

Information

Conducted on
Date of the last inspection
Location
Who is conducting the inspection?

This is the latest version of the estate inspections photo book. The purpose is to create an objective toolkit which can be used to assess estates. Personal opinion will never be eliminated but this photo book can be used as reference for the monthly inspections.

The text used in this form is a description of a particular grading. Understandably no two estates are the same so the words have been selected carefully to encompass all estates.

If you need a visual reference, please refer back to the PDF copy of the Estate Inspections Photobook which has images for guidance.

This form allows you take images whether you rate them GREEN, AMBER or RED. Examples of best practice will be shared among colleagues to maintain

If during an estate visit you are unsure of the level of rating used in this form please ever back to the photo booklet which has example images rated GREEN, AMBER or RED.
1) PATHS, COURTYARDS AND ROADWAYS Description GREEN - area is clear of litter, debris and leaves. No bulk items and no hazardous items AMBER - litter, debris and leaves are noticeable. No hazardous items RED - area has a high build up of litter, debris and weeds. Bulk items are not made safe and reported. Area looks neglected and there are hazardous materials present
2) FLY-TIPPING Areas should be clear of all evidence of fly-tipping and potential health and safety hazards including waste that could attract vermin GREEN - the area is completely free of fly-tipping AMBER - single small items of limber in a non designated area but not obstructing a walkway or exit and have been left insecure. Items to be reported for collection RED - items left insecure and could cause injury or potential injury
3) ENTRANCE HALL AND LOBBIES Entrance halls and lobby areas are the first area visitors will see and give an immediate impression of the state of the block GREEN - the area is completely litter free and clean. The floors are swept and mopped AMBER - small bits of dirt even though the floors have been swept and mopped. Small scuff marks, paint marks on the walls RED - cobwebs on the corners. Floor has not been swept or mopped. The entrance is dirty and looks neglected
4) STAIRWAYS AND INTERIOR LANDING AND WALKWAYS Stairways are regarded as high profile areas. Interior areas should be free of paper, rubbish, leaves and other debris, leaving a clean and tidy appearance GREEN - no dirt on the stairways and landing. Area is in good condition and is swept, mopped and clean to the touch AMBER - the stairs are generally clean, swept and mopped. Minor graffiti marks and/or some signs of abuse marks. Bannister rails are likely to be dusty RED - stairs show signs of dirt ingrained into the floor. Little evidence of sweeping or mopping. Graffiti on the walls. Bannisters are dusty and stained. Cobwebs in the corners and dust along the top of the skirting board. Visible signs of litter.
5) COMMUNAL WINDOWS AND LEDGES These standards apply to the internal glass and external low level windows GREEN - general level of cleanliness is excellent. Window frames are dust free, dirt, spit, etc. there are no water marks AMBER - window sills show signs of dust and dirt along the frame and in the corners with visible marks on the surface and the walls RED - condition of the window, ledges and sills are in poor condition (e.g. Breaking apart). Water streaks on the inside of the window. Frame and glass covered in dust, cobwebs and dirt. High build up of dead insects
6) EXTERIOR AND INTERNAL LIGHTING ASSESSMENT The light fittings should be clean and free of cobwebs GREEN - light fittings are very clean, dust free and free from cobwebs. Light fittings show no damage or attempts to damage AMBER - there is a build up of dirt on the light shade. There is an accumulation of dust. Old cobwebs are present. Light fittings are dirty and the light fitting does not work RED - very poor condition of the shade. Light fitting is dirty, heavily marked with cobwebs, lighting cover is broken hazardous with it without the bulb
7) BIN CHUTES AND CHUTES These important areas give an indication of the overall state of a building. If not clear of loose rubbish they very quickly start to smell which can travel through the building. An area with loose litter will also attract vermin. These areas should always be litter free and clean. GREEN - the bin store is clean and tidy with no invasive smell. No sign of leaves and loose litter. No signs of abuse. Evidence of the use of disinfectant and pest control.no dirt or cobwebs. The lighting works where applicable. The doors shut properly and are not missing. AMBER - the bin store is not clean. The hoppers have a build up of waste, rotting food and other loose litter is under each bin. Possible invasive smell. Some signs of abuse. Lighting does not work and there is damage to the doors. RED - the bin store is very dirty and the hoppers have a major build up of waste. Burst plastic bags on the floor. Evidence of flies. Clear signs abuse. No evidence of cleaning that has taken place. There is evidence of vermin and there is a strong odour.
8) COMMUNAL BIN AREAS These important areas give a clear indication of the overall state of any building. These areas should be free of any loose debris and litter. GREEN - the communal bin areas are well maintained and clean. Lighting is working (where applicable), the locking mechanisms work AMBER - the communal bin area is in need of some attention. There is evidence of loose rubbish and leaves. Lighting does not work and the locks are broken. RED - large amounts of loose litter lying about. Evidence of bulk rubbish, evidence of abuse and the doors are broken, lighting does not work.
9) GROUNDS MAINTENANCE - PATHS AND BORDERS First impressions are important from both residents and visitors. Grounds that are well maintained can both bring a collective sense of pride in an estate and change attitudes among residents. GREEN - the paths and borders next to paths should be weed free, no loose rubbish, loose litter. No hazardous items, no signs of graffiti on the path or signs of dog excrement. AMBER - area is generally weed free, bushes may need trimming. There is a build up of loose litter, dog excrement. No hazardous items. RED - paths and borders have evidence of established and new weed growth. High build up of loose waste and dog excrement. Evidence of hazardous items (glass/sharps, etc).
10) GROUNDS MAINTENANCE -SHRUBS , BORDERS AND GRASS CUTTING First impressions are important from both residents and visitors. Grounds that are well maintained can both bring a collective sense of pride in an estate and change attitudes among residents. GREEN - shrub/flower borders are well maintained, cut back and attractive to look at. Grass shows signs of being recently cut and edges cut. No signs of weeds and litter. Hedges are well maintained and fences are in good working order. AMBER - borders need minor attention, likely to be rectified with routine maintenance. Grass needs minor attention, edges need edging. Small amounts of weeds and leaves, loose litter, with minor damage to the fences. RED - grass areas are overgrown and are in poor condition. Shrubs and flowers are overgrown. Litter, leaves and rubbish are in evidence. Evidence of vandalism and the fences are broken.
11) GRAFFITI Offensive graffiti should be reported immediately and removed with 24 hours of it being reported. All other graffiti shroud be removed within 5 working days. GREEN - no visible signs of graffiti AMBER - very little evidence of graffiti and is not offensive. The graffiti has been reported and is waiting to be cleared. All graffiti to be removed within SEVEN DAYS. RED - high quantity of non offensive graffiti. Any offensive graffiti (racist, homophobic, religious, hate) will result in an instant FAIL of 3 for the whole estate. ALL GRAFFITI TO BE REMOVED WITHIN 24 HOURS.
12) CAR PARKS AND PARKING AREAS All areas should be swept and litter free. Abandoned vehicles, illegally parked or vehicles without valid disks should be reported to the relevant local authorities. GREEN - areas are clean, weed and litter free. No abandoned or illegally parked vehicles. No hazardous waste materials, salt bins are full with no signs of damage. AMBER - area is predominantly clear of litter (seasonal leaf accumulation acceptable during Autumn). Any abandoned vehicles have been reported, any bulk items have arranged to be picked up. No hazardous waste materials and salt bins are full. RED - the area has a high build up litter and leaves. Salt bins are empty and damaged. One or more illegally parked or abandoned vehicles. Hazardous waste material present.
13) BLOCK SIGNAGE All signage should be in good condition, visible and legible GREEN - block names should be clear, easily visible and free from graffiti and vandalism. Signs should be in a good state of repair. AMBER - block names should be clear, easily visible, have little or no graffiti. Organisations logos should be appropriate and visible RED - block name is not visible, evidence of graffiti and vandalism. Illegal notices from organisations outside of OHG are present (e.g. Estate agents, clubs, etc).
14) BLOCK NOTICEBOARDS The notice board should be in good condition and contain relevant and up to date information. GREEN - the noticeboards should contain at least 3 of the following - Action in the event of fire - Contact details - Estate services schedules - TRA contacts - Repairs telephone numbers AMBER - the notice board should contain at least 2 of the following items - Action in the event of fire - Contact details - Estate services schedules - TRA contacts - Repairs telephone numbers RED - no noticeboards BUT adverts from non-OHG associated organisations are present. These have to be removed within 24 hours.
15) LIFTS The area adjacent to the lift and inside should be clean, tidy and free of litter and graffiti. GREEN - the lift is clean with no signs of abuse or marks. No dirt in the corners and no dirt stuck to the floor. The door is clean and no footprints or signs of wear and tear in the lift. AMBER - some visible marks and signs of abuse. Lower walls are dirty, evidence of dust, lights flickering but the overall appearance of the lift is good. RED - lift shows signs of ingrained dirt, lift smells, doors are dirty and the lift may not be working
16) HEALTH AND SAFETY/FIRE RISKS Health and safety is of paramount importance not just for residents but for OHG Staff as well. It can not be stressed enough that any item listed below that has the potential to harm a resident and/or Housing Officer should be reported IMMEDIATELY WITH THE ACTION TO CLEAR UP WITHIN HOURS.
17) PLAY AREAS It is essential that these areas are kept up to the highest standards. These areas have to be free of litter and hazardous items. GREEN - play area is completely free of litter, leaves and hazardous items. Play equipment is in good working order AMBER - play area has some litter and leaves but nothing to suggest the area has not been touched in weeks. No hazardous items. Play equipment is in good order RED - obvious build up of litter and leaves, etc suggesting long term neglect IF THE PLAY AREA IS RATED A THEN IMMEDIATE ACTION IS REQUIRED

Additional information

Additional information This is an opportunity for you, as the Housing Officer, to add any additional information you believe is relevant to this inspection or as a reminder for the next inspection

Sign off and resident verification

Housing Officer signature
Resident signature If a resident has accompanied the Housing Officer during this inspection please ask them to sign the inspection.
REMEMBER

If you have any REDS listed In your inspection then it is imperative you send a copy to the relevant department in Housing Services for resolution.