Revised move-in and move-out specification
We are pleased to update Service Personnel and families that the specification to which homes are prepared for move-in has now been revised. This follows changes to the specification that we had to make last year.
One of the commitments of the Consumer Charter to improve SFA announced in April 2025, is to provide a more robust move-in standard so that families can have confidence that the home they are moving into will be ready on time and will be clean and functional. These commitments support the new Defence Housing Strategy, that will be published later this year.
The revised move-in and move-out specification, effective immediately, returns to the previous standard with additional specifications including:
- Hard flooring being used in downstairs areas instead of carpet when replacement is required.
- The use of white paint to decorate inside homes.
- Vinyl flooring being used in all bathrooms, WC, kitchens and utility rooms if floor tiles, or hard flooring are not already installed when replacement is required.
- Allowing up to four picture hooks per room to be left at move out without charges being incurred.
This revision to the specification has been made possible following funding secured for financial year 2025/2026 and £1.5 bn of additional funding announced earlier this month by the Defence Secretary, Rt Hon John Healey MP to deliver longer term and enduring improvements to UK SFA housing as part of the Government’s Strategic Defence Review.
The revised move-in and move-out standards can be read in full on the Pinnacle website.
Reminder: Radio Teleswitch electricity meters switch off is approaching
The technology that supports RTS electricity meters will switch off nationally from 30 June.
If you have one of these meters, you will receive a letter from your electricity supplier informing you that they are required to switch you to a smart meter. Not switching meters before this time could result in disruption to your electricity supply. You can read more about this here.
Whether you pay for your own electricity or your fuel is supplied by the MOD, if you have an RTS meter, you should expect to receive a letter to arrange an appointment.
If you have any questions or would like to confirm if you have an RTS meter, you can contact your electricity supplier directly.
Have your say, on SFA!
We encourage all Service Personnel and families to attend an upcoming SFA Roadshow. You will have the opportunity to:
- Meet senior accommodation leaders from DIO, Pinnacle, Amey and VIVO
- Hear what the future of SFA looks like, including our progress towards delivering the Consumer Charter commitments
- Ask questions and share your experiences of living SFA, to help us improve services
Sign up to secure your place at one of our next SFA Roadshows:
- 18 June Northolt 13:30 – 15:00 and Northwood 17:30 – 19:00
- 16 July Culdrose 13:00 – 14:30 and St Mawgan 18:00 – 19:30
- 17 July Plymouth 13:00 – 14:30 and 17:30 – 19:00
Visit the Defence Homes events page to see a full list of our upcoming SFA Roadshow dates and locations.