Leeds South East Homes is responsible for 8,000 properties

The Audit Commission has been monitoring Leeds South East Homes, which is an Arms Length Management Organisation (Almo) set up by the city council.

A team of inspectors found that the services provided by the Almo were "fair" but have "excellent prospects" of being improved.

In their report, the inspectors say as well as having to wait too long for repairs, customers are unsure how they can be more involved in decisions about their homes.

Variable work

Some information leaflets were found to be out of date, and few services were available to tenants through the Almo's website.

Nick Atkin, from the Audit Commission, said: "There have been some improvements in the repairs service but there are still problems.

"The standard of work is variable and in some cases customers don't know when the work will be carried out.

"A lot remains to be done, but we feel confident at this stage that Leeds South East ALMO is willing and able to tackle these and other problems."

Late night opening

On the positive side, the Audit Commission report found that the Almo's staff were "helpful, friendly and smart".

The inspectors also found that officials had responded to customer demand by having late night opening at its housing offices.

The poor report from the Audit Commission for Leeds South East Homes means that extra government to improve properties will be withheld.

The organisation will have another chance to access the money in six months when it will be reinspected.

Housing management

Its chief officer, Merran McRae, said: "We would obviously have welcomed a higher rating but we are encouraged that the inspectors have said that we have excellent prospects for improvement.

"We will be making immediate action to address recommendations made by the inspectors."

Almos have taken over housing management and maintenance services provision from the city council.

Leeds South East Homes is one of six set up in Leeds in February 2003 and is responsible for 8,068 homes in areas which include Swarcliffe, Whinmoor, Garforth and Kippax.