Keeping your home in good order

You are responsible for keeping your home in good condition.  To help you do this, there are a few things you can do to prevent potential problems.

• Wipe down all windows affected by 'condensation' on a regular basis and if any mould has formed, clean it off using a proprietary product from a DIY store. 
• Limescale can be removed from baths, sinks shower heads and taps with a descaler available from any DIY store.
• Blockages in kitchen sink waste pipes can be prevented by flushing through with washing soda and hot water.
• Outside gullies should be kept clear of leaves and other debris so that water drains away easily.
• Make sure you know where the main Stop Cock is, and how to turn it off.  Also, make sure you know how to turn off your electricity and gas supply in an emergency. 
• Never use the loft for storage or any other purpose

In the autumn, it's a good idea to check the following and notify us of any problems.  We can then repair them before they get worse and cause you any inconvenience.

• ensure all your heating controls are set correctly.  Test the heating and make sure it's working properly before the cold weather sets in.
• look up at your roof and check whether or not there are any missing or broken slates
• Check whether or not there are any leaks from gutters and downpipes

Smoke alarms
Did you know? You're twice as likely to die in a fire if you don't have a working smoke alarm?

Mains-powered smoke alarms with a backup battery are fitted in all our properties.  We will service these alarms once a year when we visit your property to check other things (such as a gas service), however it is your responsibility to check these at all other times.

We (and the fire service) recommend you:

• test them every week by pushing the test button on the alarm
• keep it clean using a vacuum nozzle or brush to remove cobwebs and dust on and around the alarm
• don't paint over the alarm

If you can't reach it use a broom handle or something similar to gently push the test button. You should replace the battery when needed. Never remove the battery except to replace it.

If you don't have a smoke alarm, your alarm doesn't work or it's a sealed unit, please contact us to report it as soon as you can and we'll send someone out to fix it for you.

Smoke alarms in the communal areas of sheltered schemes are regularly tested by the Site Officer.