Gas leaks
If you smell gas you should call the NATIONAL GRID EMERGENCY LINE on free phone 0800 111 999 (24 Hours)
- Open your windows and doors to let air in
- Make sure all gas appliances are turned off and turn the gas off at the mains if possible
- DO NOT turn lights on or off and avoid using other electrical switches and appliances as this could trigger an explosion
- Do not smoke, light a match or any other naked flame
Do not try and investigate the problem or attempt to fix a leak or a faulty appliance
Gas Safety Checks
In order to ensure the safety of our tenants and members of the public, and in accordance with The Gas Safety Regulations 1998 Act, landlords must ensure that all properties that contain gas burning appliances must receive a Gas Safety Check every 12 months.
Our gas servicing contractors carry out a ‘landlords gas safety check’ on all properties that have their own individual heating systems. Sheltered schemes serviced by communal boiler houses are also covered but access to individual flats is not required in these cases.
Our obligations as a landlord:
- To take all reasonable steps to ensure the gas safety check is carried out at the time it is due
- Ensure all new tenants receive a copy of the safety check in their ‘Sign-Up’ pack at the start of their tenancy
Tenants obligations:
- To allow our contractor access to their property to carry out the gas safety check
- Any gas appliance owned by the tenant must be fitted by a competent gas safe registered engineer and have a safety chain fitted.
A copy of your gas safety check certificate is available upon request.
Energy Performance
We should all aim to minimise our impact on the environment and by doing this you can also reduce your heating costs. Here are some useful suggestions:
Central Heating
Reduction in heat could save 10% in heating costs
Make sure your water is not being heated to scalding temperatures. Setting the water thermostat at 60 degrees centigrade / 140 degrees fahrenheit in most cases is adequate for washing and bathing
Curtains
To stop heat escaping through windows try to close your curtains as soon as it begins to get dark
Lights
Remember to turn lights off when you leave a room. During the day try to pull back curtains to let in as much light as possible
Electrical appliances – Standby
When you are not using your television, video recorder, DVD player or satellite / cable receiver box remember to switch them off. Your television and other electrical appliances can continue to use as much as 85% electricity even when it is not actually switched on and in use
Fridges
Do not leave the fridge door open for longer than necessary and allow cold air to escape. Defrost your freezer regularly and this will help keep it running efficiently and reduce running costs
Washing machines and tumble driers where provided
Wait until you have a full load before using the machines in communal areas. Otherwise use the half load or economy programme. Try using the low temperature programme as modern washing powders are often just as effective in a lower temperature wash. Wring wet clothes out or spin dry them before putting them into a tumble drier. Only use the tumble drier if you have no other option. Make sure you clean the filter every time you use a tumble drier
Light bulbs
Energy saving light bulbs use about a quarter of the electricity and last around eight times longer than a standard bulb. LED bulbs are even more efficient
Showers
Take a shower instead of a bath. The ordinary shower uses two fifths of the hot water needed for a bath. Shower attachments for bath taps are available from your local DIY store
Taps
Fix a dripping hot water tap and make sure they are turned off properly. In just one day a dripping hot water tap will not only waste energy but can waste enough hot water to fill a bath
Letterboxes and keyholes
Fit a nylon brush seal or a spring flap onto your letterbox and put a cover over the keyhole to prevent draughts
Windows
Make sure your windows are draught proofed