Housing compliance is complex, yet necessary for the safety of properties and the people within them. From maintaining lifts to safe water supply, the list of obligations is long. It’s important to remember that compliance is not simply a tick-box exercise, yet it requires ongoing monitoring, management and remedial work.
Lifts, for example, must be inspected every six months by a specialised company. In the case of trees, a regular inspection from the crown to the roots is required, and when necessary, the removal of protruding roots and maintenance of overhanging branches. Particularly in the case of storms, additional inspections must be carried out - before and after. After storms, roofs and electrical installations should also be checked. Especially in autumn, the removal of leaves is important, as is the lighting of paths, driveways and stairways. Particularly strict compliance obligations apply to playgrounds, which must be inspected for hazards at least once a week. Property owners and managers have the responsibility to maintain an overview, establishing efficient workflows and most importantly reduce liability risks within all these areas of compliance.
Here are some tips that can help reduce risk and improve resident safety.
Outline a strategic direction for compliance management to ensure regulatory requirements are being met.
Set up structured procedures and processes to manage and maintain compliance, and reduce the risk of hazards and defects.
Implement regular inspection of buildings and outdoor facilities, and record all findings including images and videos so that risks can be identified quickly.
In the event where damage or hazards have been identified, inform the residents by means of letters and/or notices as well as warning notices at the point of danger.
Have clear KPIs and reporting to ensure all properties are being monitored and inspected on a regular basis and meet the regulatory requirements.
There are many compliance obligations that must be followed, and the regulations are not all set out in a single source. Thus, centralising all the requirements in a single platform, to monitor, manage and maintain, will ensure a deadline is never missed.
How can compliance solutions help?
Compliance solutions can help property operators stay compliant with ease by quickly identifying hazards and seamlessly taking action to remove or reduce risks. It enables housing providers to efficiently track, manage and assure building safety and compliance across all areas in a robust, flexible and secure way. Housing providers can keep track of all types of building records, such as damp and mould and smoke alarm checks with full configuration.
Ready to take the next step in elevating your compliance management strategy? Get in touch.
