Peverel Retirement is responsible for the maintenance of communal areas. For more information please contact your House Manager or Area Manager.

The lease/deeds will set out who is responsible to do this work, but generally, the maintenance of the windows in your property, but not the frames, is your responsibility. In England and Wales the frames remain the landlord's responsibility.

The cleaning of the external surfaces of the windows to your flat will not normally involve anyone coming into your flat, but if you live in a flat on the third floor of the building or higher then for health and safety reasons it may be necessary to arrange for external cleaning to be carried out from the inside your property. If this is necessary your House Manager will advise you of when this is likely to be.

Yes, depending on the lease/deeds, but please remember the security of the building and ensure that if you live on the ground floor your patio door is locked after use. Patio chairs should not be left out unless discussed with the House Manager, although the company cannot accept liability for loss of or damage to any item left out. 

Most developments have grounds which are designed for low maintenance. However, if you consult with your House Manager about any plants you wish to put in, they can advise you if it is possible.

The grounds are maintained by contractors. On some occassions, with the agreement of the House Manager/Area Manager, you will be able to assist.

Generally this is not feasible as the gardens have been carefully landscaped for the benefit of all residents and no provision is made for the inclusion of these items. For more information please speak to your House Manager.

Developers do not normally furnish residents’ lounges with a television. The lounge is provided for activities and social conversation. If you wish to install a television, you will need to contact your House Manager.

Yes, please contact your House Manager for further information.

Yes, use of the communal facilities is encouraged, unless it has previously been booked and paid for by another resident for a private function.

Yes, your guests are very welcome to use this facility, although certain restrictions may apply and should be discussed with your House Manager.

If the Residents’ lounge is privately hired for a function, access is by invitation only.

This facility is available first and foremost for the residents but, on occasions, may be used by outside organisations, usually for a fee. Details may be obtained from the House Manager.

Generally no, but care should always be taken not to disturb other residents. The lounge will always have soft lighting on throughout the night for those who may wish to use it.

For your safety and security the main doors are kept locked at all times, with a security entry system in operation. All residents are issued with a key to the main front door.

For security reasons fire doors must not be used, except in emergencies. Emergency doors are not designed or intended for use other than for their dedicated purpose.

Regular checks are made on all safety equipment. There are smoke detectors in all communal areas and in many developments a smoke detector/sounder is fitted in each flat.

Tradesmen are allowed access via a confidential security code only available at certain times of the day. The use of the code is restricted to those providing essential services. The House Manager keeps a watchful eye on visitors and will refuse entry to unauthorised persons.

We believe in home ownership and subject to any private financial arrangement, all residents purchase the full equity in their property either on a freehold or leasehold basis. As with any other form of home ownership, if you become infirm, any decision to move is yours. This is not always the case with all private sheltered developments. Some managed by Housing Associations contain clauses in their leases/deeds which enable residents to be removed if they become infirm or are unable to live independently.

Next to the main front door is an entry panel which contains instructions to allow your visitors to communicate with you or the House Manager. When you have satisfactorily identified your visitors, you simply press a button on your entry panel (located in your property) and the electric door lock opens to allow your visitors in. It locks again automatically behind them. Video entry is being installed in some developments, connected via your TV screen.

All developments are fitted with alarms, fire instructions, log book, notices and any fire fighting equipment recommended by the Fire Service. Regular fire equipment tests are held to ensure that all residents are aware of the correct procedures and to check the proper performance of the equipment. Depending on the requirements of the local Fire Authority, fire drills may be undertaken from time to time.

Fire procedures for each development are discussed and agreed with the Chief Fire Officer responsible for the district within which the development is located. Normally this is a ‘stay put / delayed evacuation' policy.

· Fire exits are accessible and clearly marked.

· Fire alarms and fire fighting equipment within the development are maintained at regular intervals by a specialist contractor.

· The alarms are tested at frequent intervals by the House Manager. Residents will be notified of what action, if any, to take. Each resident is given a notice with their handbook which advises of the appropriate action and the marshalling point specific to their development.

Emergency lighting is automatically activated in the communal areas during a power failure. There is an emergency power supply for the call response and fire alarms.

The lift will stop during power failures but it can be operated manually by authorised personnel. Hand operating instructions are kept in the motor room and an alarm is fitted in the lift which will summon help. The lift is fitted with an emergency call unit linked to the emergency call response service, which will continue to work during a power failure.

Opening times generally apply; please contact your House Manager for further information.

The House Manager is responsible for ensuring the communal areas are kept clean. External and internal window cleaning will usually be carried out by contractors appointed by Peverel Retirement. The cleaning of the external surfaces of the windows to your flat will not normally involve anyone coming into your flat, but if you live in a flat on the third floor of the building, or higher, then for health and safety reasons it may be necessary to arrange for external cleaning to be carried out from the inside. If this is necessary your House Manager will advise you of when this is likely to be.

The development will also have a contracted cleaner responsible for the internal cleaning of the communal areas only and a gardener.

Discussions regarding these contracts and performance will be discussed at the annual budget meeting.

There is usually a refuse room with dustbins provided and in some developments a refuse chute is provided for the upper floors. Refuse collections will be in line with the local council collection times.

These areas have not been designed for that purpose and there is no storage space available under the stairs or in the roof space.

The developer arranges for the services to be connected to the building. Residents are responsible for paying electricity charges in their own property and are responsible for requesting that the electricity supply be connected when purchasing a Peverel Retirement property.

Where a development has a guest room, priority is usually given as follows:

1.         Visiting Relief House Manager
2.         Visiting relative of a sick resident
3.         Any other resident's visitor
4.         Visiting relative of the House Manager
5.         Residents from other developments

Length of stay is generally restricted to a maximum of five consecutive days in one booking, but it may be necessary for the House Manager to regulate this from time to time on a priority basis.

Most developments contain a guest room or guest suite and it will usually comprise a twin bedded room with a shower room or bathroom and tea and coffee making facilities.

Generally no. The lease/deeds usually specify that all residents must comply with the age restriction, but your visitors can stay as guests for short periods.

Not always, but residents are welcome to form an Association if they wish. Peverel Retirement fully supports the formation of Residents' Associations and will give help and advice on how to set one up, including providing a draft constitution.

Please write to us for more information:

Peverel Retirement
11-12 Centre Court
Vine Lane
Halesowen
B63 3EB

Yes. Your Area Manager will hold meetings in the lounge covering items of general interest or to consult on a proposed course of action. A formal meeting is also held to go through the service charge budget for the each year. Advance notice of the meetings is always given (usually a note will be put up on to the notice board) and all residents are welcome to attend.