Decorating cards 




What is a decorating card?
We know that moving into a new property is a busy, expensive time and that once you’ve got the keys it’s important to make sure it feels like home.

If your new home is not in acceptable decorative condition a decorating card can help you decorate your home.

Am I eligible?
If you are a new resident and have been accepted on an assured or starter tenancy and if you are a resident transferring to another property you may be eligible for a decorating card.

Residents who have moved under our mutual exchange policy are not eligible.

When you first view the property you will be told if any of the rooms have been identified as in need of decoration and the amount of allowance.

If you are eligible you will be given the choice of which supplier you would like to buy your decorating materials from. Once your tenancy agreement has been signed, your neighbourhood officer will give you a decorating card. They will activate the card (this usually takes 48 hours) with the amount of credit awarded.

How much could I receive?
The amount awarded will depend on the condition and size of your home. Your neighbourhood officer will confirm the amount that has been awarded to you.

As a guide, the table below shows the maximum allowance you can receive for each of the rooms that have been identified as being in need of decoration.
 Room allowances  Maximum allowance
 Lounge  £50 
 Dining area  £25
 Separate dining room  £45
 Kitchen  £25 
 Hall/stairs/landing  £85 
 Double bedroom  £35 
 Single Bedroom  £25 
 Bathrooom  £25 
 Separate WC  £15 

If your property requires full decoration the table below shows the maximum overall decorating allowance  you can receive.
 Property type  Maximum allowance
 Bedsit / 1 bedroom flat or bungalow  £170
 2/3 bedroom flat or bungalow  £200
 4+ bedroom flat or bungalow  £240
 1/2 bedroom house  £230
 3 bedroom house  £250
 4+ bedroom house  £300

In flats/maisonettes, communal areas, such as corridors and stairways are the responsibility of Moat. You are only eligible for a decorating allowance to cover the internal decoration of your property.

Where can I spend it?
Our nominated suppliers for decorating cards are B&Q and Homebase. Your card will be valid in all B&Q and Homebase stores nationwide.

To find your nearest stores please call B&Q on 0845 222 1000 or visit www.diy.com or call Homebase on 0845 640 0894 or visit www.homebase.co.uk

How do I use my card?
Once you have selected the decorating materials you need, just hand the card over at the checkout and the amount on the card will be deducted from the overall total. If the total comes to more than the amount of the card, you just pay the difference.

You have up to six months to spend the credit on the card, after which time it will be cancelled regardless of any remaining credit. Cards cannot be exchanged for cash at any time.

What can I spend it on?
You can only spend the card on decorating materials. This includes interior paints, wood care, varnishes, wallpaper, pastes, non-powered decorating utensils, sandpaper, fillers and sealants.

After the work is complete
To ensure that the work has been completed to a good standard we will inspect your property. Your neighbourhood officer will contact you to arrange a visit.

If you have any further queries relating to decorating cards please call the voids and lettings team on 0845 600 1006.