The neighbourhood service team looks after the communal (shared) areas on your estate. They are responsible for monitoring the contractors to ensure a high standard of cleaning and grounds maintenance is given. The service we provide includes estate cleaning, communal repairs, dumped refuse removal, maintenance of playgrounds, grounds maintenance, removal of graffiti and abandoned cars.

Communal Repairs

Repairs in any communal area of your block or estate e.g. trip hazards, broken doors and non-working communal lighting should be reported.

Refuse collection

Domestic waste: Each tenant is allocated a refuse collection day by the council depending on their postcode. This can be provided by contacting the council or visiting their website. If you live on an estate the caretaker will also be able to provide this information.

Bulk refuse:  For removal of large items the council provides a collection service you will need to contact them direct to make arrangements. Electrical items such as washing machines and fridge freezers, and non-electrical items such as furniture are charged at £35.00 for the first one to three items, and a tiered charge per additional item. Please check the council website for terms and conditions.

Recycling: The council offers an extensive recycling service. Barnet currently recycle around 50% of all waste.

Did you know?

  • 70% of household waste can be recycled
  • In the UK we throw away 7 million tonnes of food and drink from our homes, costing us £12.5bn a year
  • Recycling 1 aluminium can saves enough energy to run a TV for 3 hours
  • On average every person in the UK throws away their own body weight in waste every seven weeks. There is so much more that can be recycled.

Estate inspections

Residents are welcome to join Opendoor staff on our estate inspections although we have now changed the way in which estate inspections are carried out.

Housing officers will visit our estates on a regular basis, however these visits will not be given set dates to ensure our housing officers are able to efficiently manage their workload.

Should residents wish to attend a walkabout, please contact us and a Housing Officer will contact you to arrange a convenient date and time to carry one out with you.

Why join estate inspections

The walkabouts are a chance to show us what you would like improved.

You can highlight any concerns you have or tell us about any problems you are experiencing in your block or estate.

If you would like more information about inspections phone 020 8080 6586 or contact us online.

Garages

Opendoor Homes has garages available for rent by tenants and residents.

Our garages are for private vehicles, but can also be used for storage. Please note that the storage of personal possessions is wholly at the tenant’s own risk.

Please click here for a garage application form.

Use of the garage

  • Our garages are not classed as dry storage areas.
  • Petrol, gas cylinders or flammable liquids must not be stored in our garages.

Loss

Opendoor Homes are not liable for any loss or damage to property kept in the garage. The Tenant should arrange any necessary insurance for the contents of this garage.

The Tenant stores any items in the garage solely at his/her own risk, and indemnifies the council against any liability for contents stored in the garage where loss or damage has been caused by whatever reason.

For more information

For information on cost, how to pay garage rent, and the location of garages, call 0208 080 6586

Your responsibilities

Although we aim to keep all communal areas clean and tidy there are ways you can help by being a considerate neighbour by doing the following.

  • Always dispose of your refuse in the correct manner. Make sure you place rubbish bags in the chute or inside the communal bins to your block. Do not place any bags inside chute rooms or any communal walkways.
  • Always recycle when possible. Use the communal recycling bins on your estate if available.
  • Make sure you close the main entry door to your block securely when entering or leaving the building. Only open the door to people you know and are expecting. This prevents unauthorised entry to the blocks. If you notice any people behaving suspiciously in your block contact your Estate services manager.
  • Place any items of litter in the litter bins or communal bins provided.
  • Report any graffiti, vandalism, spillages or dumped rubbish in the communal areas as soon as possible.
  • Use the service provided by the council to dispose of any bulk items in your home. Leaving these items in communal areas can lead to unauthorised dumping and can also be a health and safety risk.
  • Do not store any items in communal walkways outside your flat. This is both a trip and fire hazard.
  • Always report any communal repair required, don’t assume a neighbour will report it.
  • Remember to always treat neighbours with respect and how you would like to be treated.