Settling
In

In Your First Week

Below we have listed a few things to do in your first week that we hope will help you settle in quickly:

Communal Facilities

The Managing Agent, James Andrew Residential (JAR), is responsible for the day to day running of Trewby Building and the maintenance of its facilities and grounds.

Subletting

Please be advised that subletting is strictly prohibited in any circumstances.

Alterations

You must not carry out any alterations or works to your apartment without first obtaining written consent from Gateway Housing. This requirement is set out in your tenancy agreement and applies to all works, however minor. You should always seek professional advice before making any changes.

Please note, any alterations to the original installation could impact your warranty with Berkeley.

No alterations are to be made in the utility cupboard and heat interface unit as this is a Metropolitan asset and is maintained by them.

Where the building is a Higher-Risk Building (HRB) under the Building Safety Act 2022, certain works may also require approval from the Building Safety Regulator (BSR). This includes any work that changes the internal layout, affects fire or life-safety systems, alters structure or compartmentation, or involves the external walls, balconies, or service risers.

If the proposed works fall into these categories or you are unsure, you must engage with Gateway Housing at an early stage. They will confirm whether a Licence to Alter (LTA) is required and whether a formal Building Control application to the BSR must be made before work starts. No work should commence until all necessary consents are in place. If you are unsure, please contact Gateway Housing.

Once completed, residents must provide updated information and certification so the Building Safety Case can be maintained accurately. Carrying out unauthorised or non-compliant work could result in enforcement action by Gateway Housing or the Building Safety Regulator.

Warning: Undertaking unauthorised building work within a Higher-Risk Building is a criminal offence under the Building Safety Act 2022 and the Building (Higher-Risk Buildings Procedures) (England) Regulations 2023. The Building Safety Regulator has powers to issue Stop Notices, Compliance Notices, and to prosecute offenders. Conviction can result in unlimited fines or up to two years imprisonment.

Television Equipment

You must not attach any aerial, satellite dish or other communications apparatus to the outside of the building. Your apartment is prewired for satellite television, negating the need for any exterior equipment. Please note, however, a subscription is required for satellite television.

Pets

You will need prior consent from Gateway Housing Association for any pets to be allowed in your apartment, under the terms of your lease. You can contact the development manager who will discuss your requirements and assist you in obtaining a pet licence. Please note that consent can be revoked if the Licence Terms and Conditions are breached.

Repair

You are responsible for keeping your apartment in good internal order.

Windows

Windows should be equipped with suitable window dressings which is detailed in the lease. You are not allowed to hang clothes, flags, or other items from or at your windows. No items should be thrown out of windows.

Balconies

Balconies are suitable only for items such as furniture and pot plants. They are not suitable for storage. The following items are prohibited: barbecues, gas heaters, bicycles, external lighting, privacy screens and items of excessive weight. Balconies should be maintained in a good and neat order. Please ensure any furniture on your balcony is properly secured or taken inside when not in use, as furniture blown from balconies could cause serious damage or injury at ground level. A tethering point is provided on your balcony decking to allow for securing furniture and/or loose items.

Insurance

Building Insurance

The structure of the building is insured by the Managing Agent, and the cost is included in your rent. Please be aware this does not cover your home’s contents.

Internal Apartment Insurance

Please ensure to arrange your own contents insurance from the day of legal completion onwards. Tenants are responsible for arranging their own contents insurance as well. If applicable, your contents insurance cover should also include:

Service Charges

Your service charge will be adjusted at the end of each service charge year, as part of the accounting process, to reflect actual expenditure. There are two elements to the service charge, one being the whole estate and one being the individual building.

Moisture

Moisture is naturally present in all newly built homes. This needs to be allowed to evaporate slowly, which is why it can take your home up to 18 months to completely dry out. Listed below are some steps you can take to help the process:

Don’t worry if you see condensation. This is to be expected in a new home once it is occupied, as it is produced from everyday activities as well as from drying out.

Your home can show the following signs that it’s drying out. These are all perfectly normal and are not faults that Berkeley is obliged to rectify:

Shrinkage cracks will undoubtedly appear, however, this is perfectly normal and should not cause any concern as it will not be structural. Shrinkage cracks are to be dealt with as part of household maintenance and are not covered by the warranty of the property. If you believe a crack to be excessive, 2mm or wider, please follow the defects process and report this to Gateway Housing.

Your walls and ceilings have been painted with a light emulsion to help moisture evaporate, and we recommend that you do not redecorate for 18 months after you have moved in. We are not liable for damage to decorations that have been applied too soon.