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Estate cleaning and grounds maintenance

We are dedicated to maintaining clean, safe, and well-kept estates and neighbourhoods for all our residents. This guide explains how we manage your surroundings and what you can expect from us.

Read our estate management policy

Our communal services

We provide these services across our estates and communal areas to keep your living environment clean, safe and comfortable. The specification and frequency of our cleaning and gardening services is made available on the notice boards displayed in individual blocks and shared in estate-based newsletters.

Cleaning

We regularly clean the internal and external communal areas of the blocks we own and manage. These services are provided by an appointed contractor commissioned by us. We carry out regular inspections of these services to assess their quality.

Window cleaning

Our appointed Contractors regularly clean the communal windows of the building we own and manage. We carry out regular inspections of these services to assess their quality.

Gardening

Our communal gardens are designated for the use and enjoyment of all our residents who live in our homes. Residents must refrain from any activity that will deter others from using the space or cause a nuisance. We will work with our residents to support them to use these spaces in a way that benefits everyone.

We will maintain trees in the communal areas that we own and manage to reduce obstruction, danger or nuisance. This does not include minor seasonal nuisance such as shading, leaf fall or restricted views. These services are provided by an appointed contractor commissioned by us.

Communal repairs

We carry out repairs to communal areas, like hallways and shared outdoor spaces, to ensure everything stays in good condition. We inspect our playgrounds every three months and carry out repairs when needed. If you notice an issue, please report it to us. More information about our repairs service can be found in our repairs & maintenance policy.

Improvement plans

Each year, we create estate improvement plans based on your feedback. These plans might include things like new CCTV, landscaping, or better bike storage.

We believe in creating safe and vibrant communities where everyone feels comfortable. By working with you, we can make sure our estates are places you’re proud to call home.

Your feedback matters

We encourage residents to join our inspections, give feedback and share their thoughts on how to improve our estates. If you have any questions about our estate management services, please contact us. We are here to help.

Join us on an estate inspection

If you would like to accompany us on an estate inspection we would love to hear from you. You can also report an issue on your estate if you spot anything wrong with the cleaning or gardening services. You can do this in the following ways:

Emailing us at housing@ids.org.uk
Sending a notification on the Resident Portal
Calling us on 020 8800 9606
Speaking to your Estate Manager

Keeping communal areas safe

We have a zero-tolerance policy for leaving personal items (except door mats) in communal areas to keep these spaces hazard-free. E-bikes and e-scooters cannot be stored or charged in these areas.

Find out more about e-bikes and scooter safetyFind out more about safety in communal areas

Dealing with anti-social behaviour (ASB):

We work closely with residents and local partners to tackle ASB, which can include:

  • Graffiti and vandalism
  • Excessive noise and parties
  • Fly-tipping (illegal dumping of waste)

If you experience ASB, report it to us. We will investigate and take appropriate action in line with our anti-social behaviour policy.

See anti-social behaviour policy

Noise Nuisance

We understand that not all noise complaints are the same. Our team will assess your complaint and decide the best way to handle it, either through our ASB Policy or a different approach.

We aim to resolve noise issues while encouraging good relationships between neighbours. Solutions may include mediation or designing out the noise problem.

Parking and vehicle management

Be considerate: Park in designated bays and avoid blocking emergency services or neighbours.
No abandoned vehicles: Vehicles parked on IDS land must be taxed, insured, and roadworthy. We will take action to remove any abandoned vehicles.
Special vehicles: You must get permission from us to park caravans, boats, or trailers on IDS land.

Waste management

Keep it clean: We work with local authorities to provide proper bins and recycling facilities. We all need to work together to keep our estates clean and litter-free!
Bulk waste: If you have large items to dispose of, contact your local council. We may also remove items from communal areas, but you could be charged for this service.
Fly-tipping: We have a zero-tolerance approach to illegal dumping. We may use CCTV to monitor this and work with local authorities to take action.