Looking after your home

Gas servicing

Every year, people die or become very ill from carbon monoxide poisoning. You can’t see it, smell it or taste it, and the damage can be done before you even realise what is happening.

 

We have a gas safety policy. If your home has a gas supply, we will arrange for a Gas Safe registered engineer to carry out a gas safety inspection every 12 months. As a landlord, we must carry out the safety inspection by law and we will take court action to gain access to your home if we cannot arrange a suitable appointment with you to carry out the safety inspection.

 

You can help keep your home safe from dangerous gases by making sure air vents do not get blocked. You can also buy a carbon monoxide detector alarm.

 

Please report any gas appliance repairs to us immediately.

 

Our Safety and security page provides information on how you can also help to look after your home in other ways:

Fire

  • Keep matches and lighters away from children.
  • Put out cigarettes properly and never smoke in bed.
  • Do not use portable gas or oil heaters.
  • Keep fire doors closed at all times and shut all doors at night.
  • Keep furniture and fabrics away from electric fires.
  • Do not leave burning candles unattended.
  • Put a fire guard in front of any open fire.

Smoke alarms

If your home does not have a smoke alarm fitted, you can get one for free from your local fire service.
We will check your smoke alarm every 12 months however we advise you to check it on a weekly basis.

Electrical safety 

  • Do not overload sockets or wire more than one appliance into each plug.
  • Never touch plugs or switches with wet hands.
  • Turn off and unplug all appliances that are not in use.
  • Always follow manufacturers’ instructions.
  • Make sure all appliances are checked regularly by a qualified electrician.

Electrical inspections

We carry out a full electrical inspection in all our homes every ten years and every five years in our Sheltered and Temporary accommodation. We will contact you when it is due and make an appointment with you to carry it out.

More information

More advice and safety information can be found in your repairs handbook. If you would like to speak to someone about home safety, please contact us on freephone  0800 294 2280 or 01276 852900 .