Tenants of jLiving’s Maitland Joseph House in Hemel Hempstead are enjoying the first fruits of a £6 million investment programme by the Jewish housing association.

Local civic leaders came along to view the refurbishment of 32 kitchens and nine bathrooms — and the redecoration of the communal lounge.

“The best thing about my new kitchen is the sink is higher so I don’t get backache,” observed Doris Finesilver.

“And the tap is taller so I can fill the kettle more easily.”

jLiving has committed to upgrading its 16 properties in London and the south-east.

“The association took the decision to carry out investment in its stock as these are our tenants’ homes and we want them to be fit for the future and somewhere where people will want to come and live,” explained chief executive June Morton.

Phase one of the programme will also see improvements to jLiving’s Montefiore Court in Margate and South Lodge in Streatham at a total cost of £400,000.

Around £1 million will be allocated to the second phase, covering Harmony Close in Golders Green, Oakfield Road in Finchley (managed by Norwood) and Young Court in Willesden.

An additional £600,000 will be spent on boiler replacement at various properties.

Funded by the association’s reserves and assets, the entire project is expected to take five years.