Verification visits focus on the property’s physical condition, how it is managed and customer satisfaction. The National Code team will appoint a verifier for each verification visit, who will assess the responses within the self-assessments with the management practice and procedures demonstrated at the visit.

Timescales for Verification Visits

A verification visit is usually undertaken within 30 days of a satisfactory SAQ having been received. The provider is given not less than 10 working days’ notice of the verification visit. Where relevant visits will be not undertaken when a development is unoccupied. This is because of the importance the verification process attaches to the views of existing tenants and to inspecting ‘working buildings’.

SSAQs must be submitted at least 10 days ahead of the visit taking place. The verifier reserves the right to cancel and rearrange the visit if the SSAQ is not received within the relevant timescales. Please note in the event of a cancelled visit due to non-submission of an SAQ there is a cancellation fee of £475 (excluding VAT)

If a verification visit does not take place within 30 days of a satisfactory SSAQ having been received, and this is as a result of the provider failing to permit the visit to take place or to facilitate the necessary access, the application will be recommended to the tribunal for formal withdrawal and the matter reported to the Tribunal.