Our How To Guides give help with every step of your contract

Checking and topping up boiler pressure If you have no heating or hot water but your boiler is switched on, the first thing to check is the boiler pressure. Most boilers have a circular pressure gauge on the front of the boiler or just underneath it. The gauge usually shows numbers between 0 and 4. Many boilers also show the ideal pressure range with a green zone. If the needle is at or close to 0, the pressure is too low and the boiler will need to be topped up. How to top up boiler pressure 1. Locate the filling loop. Most modern boilers have a filling loop located underneath the boiler. It's usually a flexible silver braided hose with one or two small valves (often with blue or black handles). Some valves may not have handles. Instead, they may have a flat slot that can be turned with a screwdriver. 1. Open the valve(s) Slowly turn one or both valves to open them. They will usually only turn one direction. 2. Watch the pressure gauge You should hear water flowing and see the pressure slowly increase on the gauge. 3. Close the valve(s) When the needle reaches the green zone (usually around 1.5–2 bar or 1.5-2 on your dial), turn the valve(s) back to their original position to stop the water flow. 4. Reset the boiler Press the reset button on the boiler if it has one. If not, simply turn the boiler off (wait a few seconds) and back on again.   If the problem continues If the pressure drops again after topping it up, or your heating or hot water still isn’t working, please contact us as further investigation may be required.

If an electrical appliance, several appliances, a whole room, or lighting in a specific area (more than just a single bulb) suddenly stops working, it is possible that something has ‘tripped’ the electrics. This usually means a safety switch in the fuse box (consumer unit) has turned off to protect the electrical system.   How to Check the Fuse Box 1. Locate the fuse box / consumer unit This is often found in places such as a hallway cupboard, utility room, under the stairs, or near the front door. 2. Open the fuse box cover Inside you will see a row of switches (similar to light switches). 3. Look for a switch that is in the “off” position A tripped switch will usually be pointing down or sitting between on and off, while the others remain fully up. 4. Turn the switch back on Push the switch fully back to the “on” position. 5. Check if power has returned Lights and appliances on that circuit should now be working again.   What to do if it trips again. If the switch trips again immediately, there may be a faulty appliance. Try the following: 1. Unplug appliances in the affected area. 2. Reset the switch again at the fuse box. 3. Plug appliances back in one at a time to identify which one may be causing the issue. If a particular appliance causes the electrics to trip again, stop using it.   When to contact us • The switch will not stay on • Multiple circuits have tripped • The issue continues after unplugging appliances

Bleeding your radiator Occasionally, air can become trapped in your heating system. This can cause cold spots on radiators, usually near the top of the radiator while the bottom remains warm. Most radiators have a ‘bleed valve’ located on the top corner (sometimes on the back of the radiator). This valve allows trapped air to be released. How to bleed your radiator 1. Place a towel or cloth underneath the bleed valve to catch any water. 2. Insert a radiator key (usually around £3 online or from a hardware store) into the valve. 3. Slowly turn the key anticlockwise until you hear air escaping. 4. When water begins to flow steadily from the valve, close it by turning the key clockwise. Be careful – the water may be hot! 5. Repeat this process for all radiators in the property if needed. 6. Check your boiler pressure after bleeding as it may need to be topped up. 7. When should you bleed a radiator? You may need to bleed your radiator if: • The radiator takes a long time to heat up • There is a cold or lukewarm spot near the top, but the bottom is warm • You hear banging, clicking, or gurgling noises from the radiator It can also be helpful to bleed radiators once or twice a year, even if you are not experiencing these issues. The best time to do this is before winter, when the heating system is used more frequently. If problems continue If you are still experiencing heating issues after topping up the boiler pressure and bleeding your radiators, please contact us so we can arrange a maintenance visit.

You may need to replace light bulbs during your time at the property. The exception to this would be where the light source is a fully concealed (has no way to manually open with screwdriver or by twisting the case) or if its an LED unit (needing more specialist attention). As a rule of thumb, where a detachable bulb that can be seen, its likely your responsibility to change it (assuming it was working when you moved in). This would be true whatever height or type of bulb.

If you notice your clothes not coming out clean, water not draining properly or strange noises or leak from your machine, its possible your filter may need cleaning. Turn off and unplug the machine It’s always best to disconnect electricity before opening any parts on appliances. Locate the filter Usually at the front bottom of the machine, behind a small flap or panel. Some top-loading machines have it inside the drum Watch out for water when opening your filter Place a towel or shallow bowl under the filter. Water may leak out when you remove it (particularly if the drum is full). Remove the filter Twist or pull it out (most washing machine filters twist out (anticlockwise) but check your model’s instructions if unsure). Pull slowly to avoid water spilling uncontrollably. Clean the filter Remove the filter and check for debris/ items (coins, hair bands etc) Rinse under running water. Use a soft brush if needed to remove stubborn bits. Check inside the filter housing Wipe out any debris or residue within the housing. Replace the filter Push or twist it back into place securely. Close the panel or flap. Run a test Run a short rinse cycle to check for leaks and proper drainage.   If you notice water still not draining after cleaning please let us know as further investigation may be required.

What Causes Condensation Mould? Condensation mould happens when moisture from inside the home settles on cold surfaces and encourages mould growth. Typical causes include: • High humidity indoors: Showering, cooking, drying clothes indoors without ventilation. • Poor ventilation: Closed windows, blocked vents, or rooms that rarely get air circulation. • Cold surfaces: unheated rooms or cold walls. • Everyday activities: Cooking, bathing, boiling water, or even breathing adds moisture to the air. Unless there is a leak, damp walls, or structural defect, condensation mould is usually down to living conditions, it’s how moisture accumulates during daily living particularly in colder weather. How to prevent condensation mould Simple changes in daily routines can make a big difference: Ventilation • Open windows to let fresh air circulate. • Use extractor fans in kitchen and bathroom while cooking or showering. • Keep internal doors open when possible to allow airflow between rooms. Heating • Keep the home warm and evenly heated, even slightly, to reduce cold surfaces. • Avoid letting rooms become very cold for long periods. Mould grows faster in cold, damp spaces. Moisture management • Dry clothes outside where possible, or in a ventilated area with a window open. • Wipe down windows and window sills after condensation forms. • Avoid covering radiators with furniture or heavy curtains, as this reduces heat circulation. General upkeep • Regularly clean any early signs of mould with mild detergent or antifungal spray. • Avoid using humidifiers without ventilation, as this can worsen condensation.   What to Do if Mould Appears 1. Clean small areas quickly to prevent spread. 2. Ventilate the room to remove excess moisture. When to contact us: • If mould keeps returning despite following prevention steps. • You suspect a structural issue like leaks, damp walls, or poor insulation. Proactive reporting is important if there’s a genuine structural problem, If you notice visible wet patches on walls or if there are any other areas of concern.

Your occupation contract may refer to a 21-day period from the start of your tenancy during which any existing pest issues should be reported. If a pest problem is identified and reported within this time, your landlord will normally arrange for appropriate pest control measures to be carried out. After this initial 21-day period, pest issues may be considered to have arisen during the course of the tenancy. In these circumstances, contract holders may be expected to arrange and manage pest control themselves. We appreciate that every situation is different and there can sometimes be exceptional circumstances. If you are unsure whether a pest issue falls within the initial reporting period or believe there may be another contributing factor, please contact us for advice. The guidance below outlines practical steps you can take to help prevent pest problems in your home, and should help reduce the likelihood of most common infestations.   Cleanliness: Keep kitchens and bathrooms dry and free of crumbs. Identify access points in the property pest may be entering Proper waste management: Take out rubbish regularly and use sealed containers to store bin bags. Food storage: Keep food in airtight containers.

There is an expectation that basic garden maintenance would be your responsibility. Generally this is limited to weed killing and basic lawn surface care (e.g. cutting a lawn or cleaning a section of decking periodically). Again, anything more specialist e.g. tree cutting, landscaping, slab / decking repair would fall on your landlord (assuming no malicious damage caused the issue).