Together with Tenants September 2026
A Positive Experience with Our Stock Condition Surveys
We understand that having someone visit your home can sometimes feel a little daunting, especially if you're unsure what to expect. That's why we're always pleased to hear when tenants have a positive experience with our services.
Following a recent stock condition survey, tenant Sam shared some wonderful feedback about her experience:
"I had been feeling anxious about the survey before, but he was incredibly reassuring, friendly, polite, and professional. He made the whole process feel so much easier than I had built up inside my head!"
Stock condition surveys play an important role in helping us understand the condition of our homes and plan future maintenance and improvement work. Just as importantly, they give us an opportunity to listen to tenants, answer any questions they may have, and ensure they feel supported throughout the process.
Sam's feedback highlights the difference that a professional and considerate approach can make. Feeling comfortable and reassured during a home visit is important, and we're delighted that our surveyor was able to provide such a positive experience.
A huge thank you to Sam for taking the time to share her comments. Feedback like this helps us recognise the excellent work of our staff and reinforces our commitment to delivering customer-focused services.
Well done to our surveyor for representing Housing Services so positively and helping to make the experience a reassuring one for our tenant.
Supporting Our Community Together
Sometimes, a small act of kindness can make a big difference.
We would like to say a huge thank you to Mitie for their generosity in supporting one of our residents following repair work at her home.
After a water leak required repairs, Mrs Dresser, aged 82, was understandably concerned about how she would manage the decorating that would be needed afterwards. Wanting to help ease her worries, Mitie kindly volunteered to redecorate her kitchen, including the ceiling, walls and woodwork.
This thoughtful gesture went above and beyond the repairs themselves and highlights the positive impact that can be achieved when organisations work together to support residents. By taking the time to help, Mitie not only improved Mrs Dresser's home but also provided reassurance and peace of mind at a time when it was needed most.
Acts of kindness like this demonstrate the value of partnership working and the difference it can make within our communities. We are grateful to Mitie for their support and for helping to make a positive difference to the life of one of our residents.
Thank you, Mitie, for showing that working together can help create stronger, more caring communities.
You said, We Listened - Skips are back
The first week of our skip programme has been a great success, with tenants making full use of the skips to dispose of unwanted household items and help keep neighbourhoods clean and tidy.
Earlier this year, many residents told us they would like to see the skips return after the successful Spring programme. We listened, and we're pleased to see so many people taking advantage of the opportunity once again.
The skips have helped residents clear out unwanted items, reduce fly-tipping, and improve the appearance of local communities. It has also been fantastic to see neighbours working together to make a positive difference where they live.
Thank you to everyone who has already used the service and helped make the first week such a success.
Celebrating Our Gardening Competition 2026 Winners!
Our annual Gardening Competition has once again been a fantastic success, with tenants from across Darlington showcasing the pride, creativity and dedication they put into their gardens, communal spaces and housing schemes.
The competition recognises the hard work residents invest in making their outdoor spaces attractive, welcoming and enjoyable for everyone. From colourful flower displays and well-maintained lawns to thriving communal gardens, the standard of entries this year was outstanding.
To make this year's competition even more special, we introduced a new Housing Officer Award. This gave Housing Officers the opportunity to recognise and celebrate exceptional gardens within their neighbourhoods. Throughout the summer, ten awards were presented, highlighting even more of the fantastic gardening achievements taking place across our communities.
Congratulations to our 2026 Winners
Best Individual Garden - Pat, Haughton
Best Communal Garden - Cottingham Court
Best Scheme - Ted Fletcher Court
The judges were impressed by the effort, care and attention shown by all entrants. Their hard work not only enhances individual homes and schemes but also helps create attractive neighbourhoods, encourages community pride and makes a real difference to where we live.
A huge thank you to everyone who took part in this year's competition. Whether you were growing flowers, creating wildlife-friendly spaces or helping to maintain a communal garden, your contribution is valued and appreciated.
Well done to all our winners and everyone who entered. We look forward to seeing even more fantastic gardens in 2027.
Park Place Estate Inspection
This month, the Housing Team, alongside Councillor Roche, carried out our regular estate inspection at Park Place to identify any issues and ensure the estate remains a safe and pleasant place to live.
While a small number of issues were identified and logged for action, the estate was looking fantastic overall. The inspection highlighted the care and pride that residents take in their local community, with many areas looking clean, well maintained and welcoming.
A special thank you goes to the local residents who regularly volunteer their time to carry out litter picks and help keep the estate looking its best. Their ongoing efforts make a real difference and play an important role in creating a neighbourhood that everyone can be proud of.
We appreciate the support of everyone who helps to look after their community and look forward to continuing to work together to keep Park Place a great place to live.
Autumn Big Clean Gets Underway
The Autumn Big Clean got off to a great start in September, with residents, volunteers and partner organisations coming together to help keep our neighbourhoods clean, tidy and welcoming. The campaign will continue throughout October, with a number of litter-picking events taking place across the borough.
Housing Services were pleased to join the first litter pick at Red Hall, where local residents gave up their time to help make a positive difference in their community. The event was a fantastic example of community spirit in action, with everyone working together to keep the area looking its best.
We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has taken part so far. Your efforts help create cleaner neighbourhoods, improve local environments and encourage pride in our communities.
There is still plenty of opportunity to get involved. If you would like to join one of the upcoming Autumn Big Clean events, all equipment is provided and everyone is welcome to take part.