Setting the Standard
for Safe, Comfortable Homes
At ClwydAlyn, we believe every tenant deserves a safe, healthy, and comfortable home. That’s why we are proudly raising the standard of living for tenants under the new Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS), creating a future where “standard” means much more than just meeting the basics. It means providing homes that support your well-being, your comfort, and your future.
To help you better understand the Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS) and how we’re improving homes across North Wales, we’ve created a short video explaining the key changes, what’s required to meet these standards, and how they’ll directly benefit you as a tenant.
What the WHQS Means for You
The new WHQS guidelines are designed to make your home safer, healthier, and more secure. Under the new guidelines, here are the standards we’re striving for, and what you can expect for your home:
Keeping Your Home to the Highest Standard
FAQs
We know that this is a lot of information to take in and you might have some questions, so we’ve provided some FAQs which can hopefully provide you with a better understanding of what the WHQS means for you and your home.
For more information, you can also read the Welsh Government’s Welsh Housing Quality Standard report and our Compliance Statement.
The new WHQS sets out what every home should be, a place that is safe, secure, energy-efficient and built for the future. It’s about making sure your home supports your health, happiness, and well-being.
For us to meet the WG standards your home must:
- Be structurally sound.
- Not have damp.
- Have safe staircases.
Your home should be safe and secure
- Feeling safe starts at home. That’s why your doors and windows will be sturdy and secure, following the trusted ‘Secured By Design’ guidance from the Police.
- Fire safety is also a priority, your home must have working heat and smoke detectors, and a safe and easy escape route in case of an emergency.
- For gas, oil, or solid fuel homes, we’ll carry out annual safety checks to keep you safe and sound. Electrical safety checks will take place every five years, with copies provided to you.
Your home should be warm, affordable to heat and environmentally friendly
- A comfortable home should feel warm and inviting, but it also needs to be affordable to heat. That’s why we’re making every home as energy-efficient as possible.
- Your home will have proper ventilation, especially in kitchens and bathrooms, to keep the air fresh and healthy. Water-saving fittings and appliances will also help lower your bills while being kinder to the environment.
Your kitchen and bathroom should be modern and practical
- Your kitchen and bathroom should be modern, practical, and designed to support your daily needs. That means up-to-date fittings, non-slip flooring, and enough space for your essential appliances.
- Kitchens should have room for a cooker, fridge, and washing machine, while bathrooms should include a shower, with a bath if possible.
- If there is nowhere to dry clothes, we will provide alternative drying facilities for you.
Your home should be comfortable and suit your needs
- Your comfort matters. That’s why your home should be spacious with high-quality flooring, ensuring a warm and inviting feel.
- Noise should be kept to a minimum, with good-quality building materials helping to reduce disturbances. We also make sure homes are suitable for older residents and those with additional needs.
Outdoor spaces should be accessible and well-maintained
- Outdoor spaces aren’t just nice to look at, they’re important for your well-being. That’s why we’re making sure homes have access to safe, practical, and well-maintained outdoor areas that foster a sense of community.
- Where possible, homes will have gardens with safe, accessible paths and storage spaces for bikes or garden equipment. Shared outdoor spaces will be designed to be welcoming and easy to maintain, with plenty of greenery that allows sunlight through.
These are the main deadlines that we will be working towards:
31st March 2025:
- Assess the condition of homes so we know what work is needed.
- Create a plan and estimate the cost of improvements to meet the standards.
- Engage with residents to ensure your views are included in the process. We will also provide this to WG.
31st March 2027:
- All homes must meet the WHQS standards.
Listening to, and working together with, residents is essential in helping us achieve the standard and shape our services. We will be working closely with our Influence Us group.
If you would like to sign up to Influence Us, email InfluenceUs@ClwydAlyn.co.uk
Get in Touch:
If you have questions or need support, contact us at WHQS@clwydalyn.co.uk. Your voice matters, and together, we can continue raising the standard of living for all tenants in North Wales.