Tenant Maintenance and Support

What to do if your power goes off

If your power goes off, follow these steps:

1. Check for a local power cut: Start by checking with your neighbours to see if they are affected too. If they are, it’s likely to be a power cut in your area. Contact your electricity supplier to report the issue and find out when power is expected to be restored.

2. Inspect your consumer unit (fuse box): If the issue is limited to your property, check your consumer unit to see if a circuit breaker has tripped or a fuse has blown. If you can see a tripped switch, reset it to restore the power.

3. Turn off electrical appliances: Before resetting a trip switch, switch off any electrical appliances that were on at the time of the power outage. This prevents a power surge when the supply resumes.

4. Contact your electricity supplier: If no faults appear in your property’s systems and there’s no local outage, contact your electricity supplier to check for any issues with your account or supply.

5. Inform your letting agency: If the power issue persists or you suspect an electrical fault within the property, notify your letting agency straight away. We will assist you in resolving the problem and arrange for a qualified electrician if necessary.

Remember, safety comes first. If you notice any burning smells, sparks, or exposed wires, contact emergency services immediately and then inform your letting agency.

Bleeding a radiator is a simple task that can improve its efficiency and heat output. Follow these steps:

1. Check if bleeding is necessary: When your heating is on, feel your radiator. If it’s warm at the bottom but cold at the top, it likely has trapped air and needs bleeding.

2. Turn off the heating: Always switch off your central heating and allow the radiators to cool before starting. This prevents the risk of hot water spraying out and avoids burns.

3. Gather your tools: You’ll need a radiator key (available at most hardware shops), a cloth, and a container or small bowl to catch any drips.

4. Locate the bleed valve: The bleed valve is usually found at the top of the radiator on one side. Insert the radiator key into the valve.

5. Open the valve carefully: Slowly turn the key anti-clockwise, just enough to allow trapped air to escape. You’ll hear a hissing sound as the air is released.

6. Close the valve: Once water starts to dribble out instead of air, turn the valve clockwise to close it securely. Be careful not to over-tighten.

7. Check your boiler pressure: Bleeding radiators can cause a drop in pressure. Check your boiler’s pressure gauge and, if needed, top it up according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Turn your heating back on: Once all radiators are bled, switch your heating back on and ensure your radiators are heating evenly.

Safety tips:

• Always handle hot parts of the radiator with a cloth to avoid burns.
• If you’re unsure about any step or experience ongoing heating issues, contact your letting agency for assistance.

Bleeding a radiator takes just a few minutes but can make your home much warmer and save energy.

Condensation Advice

Condensation can occur when warm, moist air meets cold surfaces, often resulting in water droplets forming on windows, walls, and other surfaces. If left unaddressed, it can lead to mould growth. Here are some practical tips to reduce condensation:

1. Ventilate your home: Open windows or use extractor fans, especially in the kitchen and bathroom, where moisture levels are highest. Even a small amount of fresh air circulation can make a big difference.

2. Wipe away excess moisture: Regularly wipe down windows, windowsills, and any other surfaces where condensation collects to prevent it soaking in or turning to mould.

3. Use a dehumidifier: If condensation is a persistent issue, consider using a dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels in the air.

4. Avoid drying clothes indoors: Drying clothes on radiators releases significant moisture into the air. Where possible, dry clothes outdoors or use a tumble dryer that vents outside.

5. Cover pans and use extractor fans when cooking: Covering pans reduces the amount of steam released. Ensure extractor fans are running and leave them on for a while after cooking.

6. Keep your home at a steady temperature: Consistent heating prevents surfaces from becoming too cold and attracting moisture.

7. Leave space for air to circulate: Avoid pushing furniture directly against walls and keep wardrobes slightly away from external walls. This allows air to flow and reduces damp build-up.

8. Check for leaks: Condensation may sometimes be confused with damp caused by leaks. Check for any leaks in pipes, roofs, or windows and report them to your letting agency.

9. Prevent blocked vents: Ensure vents in walls, windows, and doors are not blocked or covered as they help with airflow.

If condensation persists or you notice signs of mould despite following these steps, notify your letting agency. We’ll assess the situation and provide further support to help resolve the problem.

Water Supply and Water Leaks

If you experience issues with your water supply or discover a leak, follow the steps below:

1. Check for local water supply interruptions: If your water supply has stopped or is running low, check with your water provider to see if there are any known issues in your area. You can usually find this information on their website or by contacting their customer service team.

2. Inspect your property for leaks: If there’s no apparent water supply interruption, check your home for visible leaks. Look under sinks, around appliances like washing machines, and near any pipes that may be exposed.

3. Turn off the water supply if there’s a leak: If you find a leak, locate the stopcock (usually under the sink or near the water meter) and turn it off to prevent further water damage. Turn on taps to drain any remaining water from the pipes.

4. Avoid using appliances: Do not use water-reliant appliances like dishwashers or washing machines until the issue has been resolved.

5. Check your water meter: If you suspect a hidden leak, check your water meter reading. Turn off all water appliances and see if the meter continues to change.

6. Contact your letting agency: For persistent water supply issues or any leaks within the property, notify your letting agency straight away. Provide as much detail as possible, including the location and severity of the issue, to help speed up the response.

7. Follow safety precautions: If the leak involves electrical components or wiring, avoid the area entirely and report it as an emergency. If water is coming through ceilings or affecting major structural elements, seek assistance immediately.

Water supply issues and leaks should not be ignored. Acting quickly helps prevent further damage to your home and ensures the issue is resolved as soon as possible.