Safety and Saving Energy at home
Keeping Your Home Safe and Energy Efficient
Your safety, comfort, and wellbeing are important to us. As a tenant, there are simple steps you can take to help keep your home safe, reduce energy costs, and prevent common issues such as damp and mould. This guide provides practical advice on maintaining a safe and energy-efficient home throughout your tenancy.
Damp and Mould Prevention
Damp and mould can affect the condition of your home and may have an impact on your health if left untreated. Condensation is one of the most common causes of mould growth and often occurs when warm, moist air comes into contact with cold surfaces.
Help prevent damp and mould by:
- Opening windows regularly to improve ventilation.
- Using extractor fans when cooking or showering.
- Keeping internal doors closed when generating steam.
- Wiping away condensation from windows and surfaces.
- Avoiding drying clothes indoors where possible.
- Maintaining a consistent level of heating during colder months.
If you notice signs of damp, mould, water ingress, or excessive condensation, please report the issue as soon as possible so that it can be investigated and addressed promptly.
Gas Safety
Gas appliances should only be installed, serviced, and repaired by qualified professionals. As a tenant, it is important to remain aware of potential gas safety risks and know what action to take if you suspect a problem.
Warning signs may include:
- A gas smell within the property.
- Pilot lights that frequently go out.
- Soot or staining around gas appliances.
- Unusual appliance performance.
If you smell gas:
- Open doors and windows to ventilate the property.
- Do not use electrical switches or naked flames.
- Turn off the gas supply if it is safe to do so.
- Leave the property if necessary.
- Contact the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999.
Never attempt to repair or tamper with gas appliances yourself.
Fire Safety
Taking a few simple precautions can significantly reduce the risk of fire in your home.
To help keep yourself and your household safe:
- Test smoke alarms regularly.
- Never leave cooking unattended.
- Keep escape routes clear.
- Avoid overloading electrical sockets.
- Extinguish candles properly and never leave them unattended.
- Store flammable materials safely.
- Ensure everyone in the household knows how to exit the property in an emergency.
If a smoke alarm or fire safety device is not working correctly, please report it immediately.
Electrical Safety
Electrical safety is essential in every home. Faulty appliances, damaged cables, and overloaded sockets can increase the risk of fire and electric shock.
Help maintain electrical safety by:
- Checking plugs and cables for damage.
- Avoiding the use of damaged electrical equipment.
- Not overloading extension leads or power sockets.
- Keeping electrical items away from water.
- Switching off appliances when they are not in use.
- Reporting any electrical faults promptly.
If you experience power failures, sparking sockets, burning smells, or exposed wiring, contact us immediately and avoid using the affected equipment.
Moving In Checklist
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Moving Out Checklist
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Saving Energy at Home
Improving energy efficiency can help reduce household bills while making your home more comfortable throughout the year.
Simple ways to save energy include:
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Run washing machine and dishwasher with a full load and at a low temperature if possible
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Turning off lights when leaving a room
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Using energy-efficient LED bulbs
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Keeping doors and windows closed when heating is on
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Turning your thermostat down by 1 degree can save up to £75 per year
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Don't leave electrical items on standby. Switch off at the wall
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Only boil the water you need in a kettle
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Use a water efficient shower head to reduce the amount of hot water you use
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Spending one minute less in the shower can save you up to £90 per year
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Don't leave the tap running when brishing teeth or shaving
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Ensure you unplug electrical devices once they are charged