FAQs
It’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the following information and advice for moving into your new home:
Noise
Many of our properties are older Victorian buildings. They types of buildings don’t have the best soundproofing! We have tenants who work days / shifts / nights. Please be respectful of them. and keep music and tv noise to a minimum especially late at night.
Maintenance
Please report any maintenance issues by email or phone giving your name, the property address and a description of the issue.
Washing Machines
If you choose to supply your own washing machine please ensure it is installed correctly as any leaks or resultant damage is your responsibility, especially if this affects other flats in the building.
Electrical Problems
If you have any electrical supply problems the first thing to check is your fuse box for any blown fuses or switched which can be reset.
Power Cuts
If you are experiencing loss of power to your entire flat, it can often be a problem with the incoming supply. Normal electricians cannot deal with these issues so please check for power cuts in your area, or report the problem through the links below:
https://www.nationalgridgas.com/safety-and-emergencies/emergencies-and-safety-advice
Or call 24 hours a day on 0800 31 63 105 or 105 from a landline or a mobile.
Utilities
You are usually responsible for paying for your utility bills (Gas, Electricity and Water).
You should receive letters in the post addressed to 'The Occupier' or yourselves from the current suppliers of your utilities within the first couple of weeks of your tenancy. Using these you can set up accounts with the existing supplier.
Or follow the link below for advice on how to find your current suppliers and switching:
https://www.uswitch.com/gas-electricity/guides/who...
Who you want as your Gas and Electricity supplier is entirely your choice. You can choose your own supplier and open an account with them straight away.
Water Supply
This is in order to isolate your water supply especially useful in case of a leak you can turn this off preventing damage to your belongings and even other properties in the building. This can be often found under the kitchen sink. It also can be in other locations near the hot water cylinder for example so please do check this!
To find out who supplies your water follow the link below:
Loss of Water
If you are experiencing loss of water, in some cases this might be because of building work within the block but in these cases, you will be notified in advance (If possible and not urgent) and will occur within office hours.
Another case which might affect the normal water supply is if there are any works within the local authority (Leaks under road, maintenance on pipelines etc.).
Please check this with your local water supplier:
Southern Water (Click link or call 0330 303 0368)
Gas
If you smell gas, think you have a gas leak, or are worried that fumes containing carbon monoxide are escaping from a gas appliance, please call the free Gas Emergency Services emergency line immediately on:
0800 111 999 (24 hr)
or
https://www.nationalgridgas.com/safety-and-emergencies/emergencies-and-safety-advice
Your gas supply can often be turned off by turning the lever handle located next to your gas meter from the vertical position to the horizontal position. This is often in a square white meter box outside of the property
Fire Alarms
The Fire alarm systems with central panels are interlinked to other flats. Please keep this in mind and try to avoid setting off the alarm especially at unsociable hours.