Advice and Useful Tips
Damp and Condensation
Everyday things like cooking, washing and bathing release moisture into the air. When this moisture settles on a surface, such as a wall or window, it causes condensation. This can lead to mould growth - which can damage your home and your health.
Condensation can usually be prevented by ensuring any affected room is adequately ventilated. Opening windows when cooking or bathing and using extractor fans (where provided) will allow steam and water vapour to escape. Other tips include:
- Opening windows daily to air rooms, particularly in areas when you are sleeping or are drying clothes.
- Keep central heating to a minimum when you are out or turn it off when is not required, this will also save money and the environment.
- Ensure the air is able to circulate in your home so do not overfill wardrobes and cupboards or block up chimneys and wall ventilators. Also avoid draught proofing areas of your home which are more likely to attract moisture, such as the bathroom and the kitchen.
Tips to treat mould:
- Using a brush or vacuum cleaner to remove mould can increase the risk of respiratory problems so use a fungicidal wash to wipe down affected areas. There is also fungicidal paint available to prevent mould returning.
Please contact Customer Services if you discover damp or mould growth in your home.
Gas
If you smell gas in your home:
- Turn off your gas supply at the meter (contact your caretaker if you have one).
- Open all doors and windows to get rid of the gas.
- Do not turn any electrical switches on or off.
- Do not use door bells.
- Do not light a match or cigarette lighter.
- Check to see if an appliance has been left on, but is unlit. If so, do not turn your gas back on or try to relight until the smell of gas has cleared.
If you cannot stop the leak by turning off appliances, phone Transco, the gas emergency service, immediately on 0800 111 999. This service is free.
The emergency service will attend as soon as possible and make sure your appliances are safe to use. They will advise you if the problem requires your gas to be shut off until a repair can be carried out.
Electricity
If the electrical failure is only partial (e.g. your lights won't come on, but your TV is working), then you should check your fuse box. If you are unable to resolve the problem you should contact customer services.
If the mains supply in your home fails completely, contact your electricity supply company. There will be a contact number on your electricity bill. They will be able to advise you when power will be restored.
Be safe: some safety tips on electricity around the home
- Always use good quality, undamaged plugs with shielded pins. Wire these correctly and only use one appliance per plug.
- Never overload sockets with adapters.
- Never plug an appliance into a light fitting.
- Never run flexes under carpets or lino or where they can touch something hot. Make sure they are not damaged.
- Never use any electrical appliance other than a shaver in the bathroom and only use it if it is plugged into a proper shaver socket.
- Never put clothes near a heater - even a convector or storage heater.
- Never adapt or extend supplies to storage heaters, and do not fit time switches or delays to radiant fires.
- Never cover or block extractor fans or fan heaters.
- Never touch electrical items with wet hands.
- Never connect appliances to the landlord's supply - it is dangerous and against the law.
Water
If your mains water supply is not working (if the cold water tap on your kitchen sink isn't working), contact the emergency number on your water bill. The water supply company will advise you when the supply is likely to be restored.
If you have a burst or leaking pipe:
- Turn off the stopcock (or contact your caretaker if you have one).
- If the leak has affected your electrical supply, turn off the power at the fuse box.
- Contact Customer Services. They will send a contractor to your home to carry out the repair as soon as possible.
Fire
In case of fire, however small:
- Get everybody out of your home.
- Dial 999 and ask for the fire brigade.
- Do not go back into your home for any reason.
- Warn your neighbours.
You may need to contact customer services after the emergency services have attended.
For further advice and tips on preventing fire in the first place, visit www.fire.gov.uk
Asbestos
There is a register of all asbestos found in communal areas providing access to flats.
If we have advised you that some elements in your home contain asbestos, take care to ensure these materials are not disturbed. If they do become disturbed or damaged, do not sweep or vacuum any of the debris as this will lift dust into the air - causing a risk to your health. Call Customer Services immediately for further advice.
If you suspect materials in your home may contain asbestos, please contact Customer Services and ask for an asbestos survey to be carried out. We also have a leaflet Asbestos, What it is and how to say safe which is available on request from Customer Services.