Ernie usually kept the flat empty. In June 1969, with the studio performing well, he decided to hire a caretaker and gave Ena Sharples first refusal, with the flat as accommodation. Ena accepted without hesitation, glad to leave the OAP maisonette in Coronation Street where she wasn't allowed to play her harmonium early in the morning. Ernie and Emily Nugent decorated the flat prior to Ena moving in, and at Ena's insistence had it inspected for rats. A check by Len Fairclough uncovered some defects, although Ernie got out of paying for the repairs by pretending to look for another caretaker.