security

1 April 2023 marks the introduction of Tenant Satisfaction Measures. In this article, we explain how social housing landlords can meet the requirements of the TSM standard and how technology can help.
 
Tenant accountability will be increased for social housing landlords from April 2023. It comes from a newly introduced system to standardise Tenant Satisfaction Measures by the UK Regulator of Social Housing.

As the construction industry gets ready to welcome a new year with a fresh set of challenges and opportunities, 2023 heralds the dawn of changing trends and possibilities in the world of interior timber doors and door sets.  Ever one to embrace innovation and seen as a true manufacturing trailblazer, Vicaima bring design, performance and quality solutions to the interiors arena. With this in mind, the launch their latest incarnation of the perennially popular Interior Door Selector (IDS) has been much anticipated.
In recognition of changing specifier preferences, Vicaima is largely moving away from conventional paper-based brochures, towards digital catalogues.  This is not only environmentally friendly, but also enables a more dynamic user experience. New products and useful information can be updated instantly and at the same time enabling links to other resources such as technical data, so that specifiers can be fully equipped to make an informed decision about their next project.

Solar Windows Ltd, exhibiting at CIH Wales (26-27 April, stand number 40), is joining forces with door seal specialist Norseal, to bring a new fire door inspection service for Fire Doors by Solar.  Using Norseal’s Inspect application, Solar Windows will offer a complete fire door supervision programme, helping to maintain compliant installation, management and maintenance of fire doors and maintain the all-important golden thread.

For housing managers, retrofitting new technologies and systems to existing residences is becoming more of a priority as costs come under increasing pressure, and process inefficiencies are tackled. Retrospectively incorporating new technology into older housing stock is an effective solution, bringing immediate benefits to housing managers and tenants without breaking the bank.

Retrofitting is most commonly talked about in relation to decarbonisation. But in addition to environmental considerations, retrofitting new technology can also be beneficial for building security and accessibility. Incorporating new access control technology in existing buildings, for example, can enhance the tenant experience significantly – while also streamlining operations and cutting down any inefficiencies.

Accessibility continues to be an important issue for Housing Associations, helping tenants with a wide variety of needs and requirements to carry out everyday tasks and live more independently. There are, however, still significant gaps in building accessibility across the country. According to figures, 91% of all UK homes do not provide even the lowest level of accessibility , requiring urgent action from the housing industry.

Leading hardware distributor, Carl F Groupco, is celebrating 20 years of supplying the market leading fully reversible Roto FRH UNI window hardware in the UK. During the past two decades, the FRH UNI range has become the most successful window product range in Carl F Groupco’s portfolio, owing its success to the functionality provided and the strong reputation of the UNI brand in the UK market.

FRH UNI hardware is designed to suit traditional reversible window profiles, including PVCu, timber, aluminium and timber/aluminium composite windows. It’s a robust hardware system designed for situations where safe control of the window opening is necessary: including high-rise applications where wind and height issues are of concern. Safety features such as integral child restrictors and reverse catches provide ultimate protection.

A new social housing complex, developed by Metroman Ltd, has joined forces with Videx UK to install a state-of-the-art door entry system. The London based development is split into 11 apartment blocks and fitted with Videx’s flagship VX2200 door entry system along with Videx MiAccess access control and hands-free video monitors.