Private rented property standards guidance

The external areas of the property should always be in a reasonable condition. Any gardens, yards, and other external areas within the curtilage of the property are kept in reasonably clean, free of litter and in a tidy condition and free from rodent infestation.

Paving 

• Yard surfaces must be non-slip and constructed of a suitable outdoor material and be free from any damage to the surface. 
• Concrete or paved areas such as, yard or steps, are free from vegetation, moss/algae and weeds. 
• All paths and areas of paving should be level and free from trip hazards. 
• All external spaces should be well-drained such that surface water is discharged effectively into appropriate drains.  

Boundaries, fences, and gates

• The exterior of the property and all boundary walls, fences and gates should be kept free from vandalism and/or graffiti. 
• All boundary fences and walls should be well maintained to prevent unauthorised access. 
• All fencing must be in a good state of repair. With damaged or rotten timber sections or protruding nails or screws.
• All gates (especially to rear gardens/yards) must be able to be closed and locked by the occupant (for example, rear gardens that back onto an alleyway)
• It is recommended that all boundaries should be clearly defined, for example, by fences or walls. Nevertheless, if in the absence of the original boundary, neighbour disputes/issues would be reduced with the reinstating of the boundary this may be insisted on.
• Shared boundaries - the onus is on the owner to establish their responsibilities on shared boundaries by checking their own property documents and having contact with the other owner(s). These should then be shared with any managing agent involved in the property and the council on request. 
• All boundary fences and walls should be well maintained to prevent unauthorised access.
• The property and its curtilage should include a clear defensible space that would prevent unauthorised access. This may not be possible where the elevation is built directly onto the street or rear lane. 
• All perimeter walls must be in a good state of repair. Secure and of sound construction. 
• All perimeter metal railings must be in good state of repair in secure condition and free from rust and any sharp edges.
• All perimeter fencing is in a good state of repair. The fencing must be set at an appropriate height in relation to other fencing and wall to neighbouring properties. The fencing if timber must be treated with a weather proofing to prolong the life of the timber.

Refuse and waste management

• There must be adequate provision for refuse collection and storage by the occupants. (Visit Waste provision for further information.)
• All refuse bins should be able to be stored in a suitable location within the curtilage of the property. 
• All external spaces should be kept free from accumulations of refuse, furniture, or any other materials. 

Lighting

• All external spaces and steps should have suitable lighting to enable occupiers to use the areas safely. Particularly where the area is secluded and/or there is a lack of borrowed light from street lighting. 
• Steps that are enclosed with no natural, borrowed, or artificial lighting must be provided with artificial light that illuminates the whole run of the steps.

Steps, stairs, and ramps

• All external steps, ramps and thresholds should be slip resistant to prevent slips and falls. 
• All external steps, ramps and thresholds should be suitably guarded and free from fall hazards. 
• All changes in level should be suitably guarded and free from fall hazards. 
• External Steps must be non-slip and constructed of a suitable outdoor material. Must be free from vegetation or moss/algae growth.
• All external steps must have a suitable handrail and guarding, covering full length of the steps. 

Handrails and guarding

• External step and landing guarding must be fitted to all open sides of the steps and landing areas.
• Complete with a handrail either side of the steps and must extend the full length of the steps.
• The handrail must be secured to the wall or guardrail.
• The handrail must be sited between 900 to1000mm, measured from the top of the handrail to the pitch line of the steps. 
• The handrail must be shaped so that it is easy to grasp. 
• The guardrail height should be between 900mm and 1000mm measured to the top of the handrail from the steps or landing. This must be strong enough to support the weight of people leaning against it and not be constructed of horizontal laths to discourage children climbing on it. 
• There must be no openings to the guarding which would allow a 100mm sphere to pass through.