Hi all,

After receiving an offer of SFA my wife and I visited the property today to have a peer through the windows- as you do!!

The house location is fine, some distance from where I will be working and no local amenities but these are fairly surmountable issues, particularly because it is relatively local to friends and family. The main issue identfied is that the house is circa 1960/70s and I think the fireplace and plug sockets may be original!! (google image 'ugly gas fire' and it is the second one that comes up!!) and the plugs don't have on/off switches on the faceplates.

I have had a look through JSP 464 but can't seem to find anything about serviceable but ancient items, does anyone know where we might stand on getting them replaced??

Many thanks

Find a way to damage it beyond repair, ensuring that it looks like accidental damage - they'll then replace it with a nice modern 1980's model.

Originally Posted by WindyDog

Hi all,

After receiving an offer of SFA my wife and I visited the property today to have a peer through the windows- as you do!!

The house location is fine, some distance from where I will be working and no local amenities but these are fairly surmountable issues, particularly because it is relatively local to friends and family. The main issue identfied is that the house is circa 1970s and I think the fireplace and plug sockets may be original!! (google image 'ugly gas fire' and it is the second one that comes up!!)

I have had a look through JSP 464 but can't seem to find anything about serviceable but ancient items, does anyone know where we might stand on getting them replaced??

Many thanks

Absolutely.

In the current financial climate, the modern serviceman has every right to replace functional items with something a wee bit more to modern taste at full taxpayers expense....

Gassing Badgers, I see your point and if one were asking for trendy or high spec fixtures then I would agree. I am only requesting that the fixtures that are rented are fit for purpose and reasonably efficient which is a concern due to their age.

Originally Posted by WindyDog

Gassing Badgers, I see your point and if one were asking for trendy or high spec fixtures then I would agree. I am only requesting that the fixtures that are rented are fit for purpose and reasonably efficient which is a concern due to their age.

I would think a quick H & S question would result in an answer,

Is it 2011 H&S safe? if it is then you have to decide.

Originally Posted by WindyDog

Gassing Badgers, I see your point and if one were asking for trendy or high spec fixtures then I would agree. I am only requesting that the fixtures that are rented are fit for purpose and reasonably efficient which is a concern due to their age.

The only way to tell if the electrical system is fit for purpose is to have it checked by a suitably qualified and experienced person, the age of the fittings may give you some cause to wonder at the state of the system, but is not necessarily indicative of unseen problems.

Originally Posted by WindyDog

Gassing Badgers, I see your point and if one were asking for trendy or high spec fixtures then I would agree. I am only requesting that the fixtures are fit for purpose and reasonably efficient which is a concern due to their age.

How do you define 'fit for purpose'?

You already mentioned they were serviceable, so the question comes down to whether they are judged safe by modern standards - which they should be according to JSP315. Worth looking through 315, as it gives more detail on the standard required of SFA:
[ARCHIVED CONTENT] Defence Estates - Delivering Estate Solutions to Defence Needs

Upon Takeover/march in you'll be issued with copies of latest electrical and gas checklist.


Good luck!

GB - Thankyou for the link. Most helpful and informative in relation to what one could "reasonably expect" for the rent one is paying.

A couple of observations (about what we should possibly expect against what is witnessed).

The overall design of all quarters should aim to provide a pleasing, comfortable, yet practical and economic internal and external environment. At the same time due note should be taken of the frequency of change of occupant, and of the need for finishes which are robust and of a quality and type requiring minimum maintenance.

(Type IV) Sitting Room: Focal point electric or gas fire.
This is what is provided, exactly:



Should we classify this as a reasonable focal point? Perhaps a slap in the face insult that you can't avoid (and mute point for discussion/disappointment for their daughter when the in-laws visit).

To be frank, you have a choice; you can live in a highly subsidised functional property, or, rent privately, or buy locally. Just in case you haven’t noticed the country is just about skint. Not picking holes, just telling it like it is.