Estate services

During the summer growing season, between April and November, we will aim to visit each scheme 16 times (every two weeks) to cut the grass, trim edges and litter pick. Visits will be weather permitting as we cannot cut the grass effectively in the rain.

Where possible, we may leave areas of grass un-cut, to encourage wildflowers which are good for insects and birds. These areas will be cut back at the end of the season.

We will trim hedges four times each year, and flowering shrubs twice a year.

During the winter period, we will clear fallen leaves, litter pick and remove self-seeded trees.

Where necessary, weed killer will be applied in March and October (for insect conservation)

Connect loves trees! We appreciate the value that trees bring to our urban environment, and we our general approach is to retain trees on the land that Connect owns wherever possible.

We will carry out pruning and other maintenance to trees where problems have been identified. We will do this in line with our Tree Management Policy.

We will only cut down trees in exceptional circumstances, where the tree is dead or diseased, or it is causing structural problems to a nearby property. In all circumstances, Connect will comply with the law regarding tree maintenance and protection.

Our team will regularly clean the shared inside spaces outside your home.  This will normally be every two weeks, but on some estates where there are a lot of properties, we may visit every week.

The team will regularly clean your shared spaces. They will vacuum, sweep, mop and generally clean:

• Floors
• Radiators
• Doors
• Banisters
• Stairs
• Laundry areas
• Ledges
• Internal windows

You may receive window cleaning as part of your estate services. You will see this as a line on your Service Charge statement if you do.

The window cleaning contractor visits estates, usually on a monthly basis. They use a "reach-and-wash" system to clean the windows with purified water. This is quicker and safer than the traditional method of using ladders, which means it helps keep your service charge lower than it would otherwise be.

• Fire alarms, emergency lighting and lifts are tested weekly.
• We will check all fire doors to communal areas at least once a year.
• Please familiarise yourself with the fire evacuation notice in your building - it tells you what to do in the event of a fire.

Please do not leave any of your belongings in the shared spaces outside your home (hallways, stairwells, communal lounges). In the event of a fire, such items could provide fuel or get in the way of people trying to escape. We will remove such items, sometimes without notice, and you may be charged.

To find out more about how we keep you safe in your home, please visit our Home safety page.

To raise a repair, call 0300 5000 600 and choose option 2.

We expect everyone carrying out work on a property for, or on behalf of, Connect Housing to adopt standards of behaviour which are set out in a Code of Conduct.

To find out more about what we are responsible for, what you are responsible for, charges and emergencies head to our Report a repair page.