Frequently Asked Questions
Why do we have a Decoration Allowance Policy?
The Policy makes sure that all our properties have an appropriate standard of decoration in line with the Moray Council’s Letting Standard. It helps you with the cost of decorating your home and lets us maintain our housing stock in an efficient manner.
How much decoration allowance will I be entitled to?
If you are eligible for a decoration allowance, it will be based on the number and size of the rooms in your home that need decorated. To be eligible, a room should show extensive damage such as partially stripped walls, badly torn wallpaper, or poorly painted walls. You will not receive an allowance where a property has been subject to neglect or damage, or if the decoration is not your personal taste.
Will my decoration allowance cover the cost of decorating my entire home?
The decoration pack, and any compensation payments, are only intended as a contribution towards the cost of decorating materials. They may not cover the full costs involved.
How will I receive my decoration allowance?
If you are eligible for a decoration allowance, you will be sent your voucher and a letter by post or email after you have signed for your new property. You will receive a brochure from Johnstone’s Decorating Centre in Inverness which has lots of useful information in it. Johnstone’s Decorating Centre are working in partnership with us to provide you with a high-quality decoration service.
The brochure will tell you:
• How to choose your paint colours and materials from the colour charts inside;
• How to place your order and arrange collection or delivery – Johnstone’s offer a free delivery service twice a week;
• Handy decorating tips;
• How to find the store and how to contact Johnstone’s directly.
What if I want to buy extra items beyond my voucher allowance?
Johnstone’s Decorating Centre offer a discount on extra purchases. If you want to buy extra items beyond your voucher allowance, take your letter and voucher to the store with you.
How long will my voucher last?
Vouchers are valid for 6 months unless you come to a different arrangement with the housing manager. You may need to ask for more time to use your voucher in special circumstances such as a family bereavement or illness. You must use your vouchers at Johnstone’s Decorating Centre and they can’t be changed for cash or other products.
What if I am not able to decorate my home myself?
If you are not able to carry out decoration work because you have a particular need, age or vulnerability which makes it difficult, you should ask your Housing Officer about the decoration service. If you are eligible, they can help by asking for the property to be decorated for you. This may mean sharing of information with other professionals such as social work or NHS staff, and allowing access to your property so we can carry out the decoration works.
When would I be entitled to a compensation payment?
Compensation payments can be made following an upgrade such as a kitchen or heating upgrade. After a kitchen upgrade, we will arrange to have the kitchen painted and a flooring allowance will be given to you so you can replace or repair your flooring.
Alter a heating upgrade, tenants will be given a compensation payment to allow for any remedial or decoration work to be carried out. These compensation payments will be paid directly into tenants’ bank accounts.
For more information on our Decoration Allowance Policy contact: housing@moray.gov.uk