If you suspect you have a gas leak – call National Gas Emergencies – 0800 111 999

What to do in a suspected gas leak

DO

• Open all doors and windows to allow the property to be ventilated
• Turn off the gas at the mains tap – usually a by the meter – move the handle a quarter turn until it’s at 90 degrees from the pipe to shut off the gas supply
• If you are using a mobile phone – leave the house to make a call
• Follow all the advice given by the emergency advisor
• If you are feeling unwell, visit the GP or a local hospital and advise them you have been exposed to a gas leak or carbon monoxide poisoning

DON’T

• Smoke, light a match, or use any naked flame
• Turn any electrical switches on or off
• Use doorbells, mobile phones, or any other electrical switches which could cause a spark

Have a look at this online video by Cadent:

Check the fuse box, check with neighbours, or contact your provider

Have a look at this online video from Scottish Power:

Check to see if your supplier has posted any information on their website. For example,  Affinity Water will always show areas (with postcodes) that are being affected with low pressure or no water supply.

Check with your neighbours to see if they have the same issue

Have a look at this online video from Yorkshire Water:

Carbon Monoxide is colourless and does not have an odour so you cannot tell it’s around you.

Always ensure you have checked your carbon monoxide alarm is in working condition – at least once a month.

If you feel you have been exposed to carbon monoxide leaks, call the National Gas Emergency number 0800 111 999

Inform your GP or go to a local hospital

Open all windows and doors to ventilate the property

Have a look at this online video from Cadent:

Leaking taps are not an emergency – please use the above forms to contact us about leaking taps

Water that cannot be contained is an emergency

• Shut the water supply at the mains
• Do not touch any electrical fittings around leaks

It is to be noted that should a call out be made and this is the Tenants Liability – you will be charged for this.

How can you check for leaks? Have a look at this online video from Affinity Water:

This is only an emergency if you have one working toilet in the premises.

It is to be noted that should a call out be made and this is the Tenants Liability – you will be charged for this.

Have a look at this online video from Home Depot:

Washing Machine: If your washing machine is not draining properly, check the filters and soap dispenser. Clean out thoroughly.

Where possible, try not to fill the drum to the full. It is always best practice to distribute the weight evenly. For guidance refer to the manual or check online.

Have a look at this online video:

Dryers incl. Washer/Dryer: If your dryer is not drying clothes properly, try and spread the weight evenly and do not overfill with clothes.

Ensure that any lint is always cleaned out and filters are always checked.

Have a look at this online video:

Oven: If your oven is not working properly, before you report this to ourselves, check that the clock/time has been set and the switch on the wall is on.

Dishwasher: If your dishwasher is not cleaning properly, check to ensure that salt and rinse aid is topped up. Clean the blades and check the filters, for any blockages, to ensure these are clean.

Use cleaning fluid regularly to avoid build up of oil and grease.

Have a look at this online video:

Fridge/Freezers: Check to ensure that the temp dial is at the correct setting. It is always best practice to ensure food items or drinks are kept away from the back of the fridge as this will allow the temp to circulate evenly and freely.

Freezers need to be defrosted regularly to maintain the correct temperatures.

Sometimes, air is blocked in the system. You will need to use a radiator key which may have been provided at the property. If this has not been provided, you can buy one easily at any hardware store or purchase online.

The lock to the top side of the radiator can be turned gently to release the air, as soon as water comes out you need to close the lock.

Are your light not working? If one light is not working, try to change the bulb and replace as required. If there are a few that are not working, check the fuse box as something could have tripped.

If a switch is down, in the fuse box, switch this back up.

If this does not work, then report to us via our maintenance page.

Are your appliances tripped the electrics? Before going to the fuse box, unplug the items that have a plug. Plug/turn items back on one by one to determine which item is causing the electrics to trip.

If this is an appliance that was brought to the property yourself, this would be your responsibility to replace as you deem fit.

If an appliance or white good was provided at the start of the tenancy, then please report this to us via our maintenance page.

Majority of the time, the cause of your smoke alarm beeping, intermittently, is due to the battery running low.

Check the battery and replace as necessary.

Do not open up smoke alarms, other than to replace batteries, as this could make null and void any warranties that come with the alarm.

If this, still, does not work, report to us via our maintenance page.

As a tenant, you have to ensure that you take all reasonable precautions to prevent any kind of infestation. This include rats, mice, bees, wasps, ants, bed bugs etc.

Ensure that any outdoor bin areas, especially food compost bins, are kept clear of clutter and rubbish as to not attract any pests. All rubbish needs to be disposed in the correct manner.

Ensure that gardens are kept clean, tidy and clutter free as this will discourage any pests to make homes.

One of the biggest issues we face in our properties, is the issue surrounding mould, damp and condensation.

If left untreated, mould and damp can be a health hazard and cause respiratory issues. It is your responsibility, as a tenant, to ensure that you take all precautionary steps to prevent the cause of damp, mould and condensation.

Air your property: Ensure that windows are kept open time to time. This will allow air to pass freely around the property which can release trapped moisture. Even when it’s cold, moisture can easily be trapped inside our properties.

Keep doors closed: Keep bathroom or kitchen doors closed when in use. This will prevent moisture from spreading to other parts of the property.

If you have been provided with extractor fans, ensure these are used frequently. Especially in the bathroom and kitchen where you have high levels of moisture.

Wipe away condensation: Ensure that you clean any droplets of water from windows or frames on a daily basis. This will minimise the spread and cause of black mould. You can use a rag or towel to wipe away condensation. Micro fibre cloths are especially brilliant as they are incredibly absorbent.

Turn your heating on: Running your heating can minimise cold spots around the house. It can dry out damp which can minimise the cause of black mould.

Dry clothes in a ventilated area: It is always best practice to avoid drying clothes on radiators. It is best to dry clothes in ventilated areas; areas that have extractor fans. This will prevent any moisture from building up which can cause damp and mould.

Always leave windows open to allow free flow of air to allow any moisture to escape.

Look out for leaks: Leaky window frames, pipeworks, walls and doors are also a source of moisture. Not only can this damage the property but this can lead to damp and black mould.

If you spot any leaks, ensure that you use a bucket or bowl to collect the drips and report the issue via our maintenance page.