Tenant

If an appliance in your property isn’t working and was supplied as part of your tenancy, you will need to check the following;

Does another appliance work in this plug socket?

If so, the appliance is faulty, as opposed to the power source.

If another appliance doesn’t work in this socket check the fuse board to see if electrics have tripped.

Appliance appears faulty

You will need to check the fuse in the plug if it has one. If it needs changing, it is your responsibility to change it with a fuse of correct ampage.

If you have changed the fuse and checked you are using the appliance correctly, it is likely you will need a specialist contractor. Please contact Findlay Property during normal office hours.
PHONE

your boiler is not working

If your boiler is not working it might be because the pressure is too low and your radiators may not all warm up. Follow this simple guide to enable you to refill your gas combi boiler

Out of hours Gas / Plumbing / Fabric emergencies

Fire

If there is a fire at the property evacuate immediately and contact the emergency services to report the fire.

After that you must contact us by telephone on 020 7254 9444.

Gas

0800 111 999.
If you smell gas or think there is a leak you must evacuate the property and then contact National Grid Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.

If you have a genuine out of hours emergency, please contact our contractor on 07759 954 934.

Locksmith

07533 323 680

If you have a problem with your locks, windows or a security issue please call our Locksmith

Reporting by phone

If you cannot gain access to the property or the property is not secure this is an emergency and must be reported to us by telephone.

Office hours
020 7254 9444

If you have an out of hours emergency and our Locksmith does not answer on the above number, please call 07759 954 934.

Out of Office hours
07759 954 934.

If you have no power

If you have no power call your electricity provider to make sure this is not because of a general power cut or unpaid bills.

If the loss of power is not due to one of these reasons you must contact us by telephone.
Office hours: 020 7254 9444

Out of hours Electrical emergency

If you have an out of hours Electrical emergency please call 07759 954 934.

If the power has gone off to your plugs or lights in part of your house or flat – or the whole property – then you will need to check the following steps before calling Findlay Property or an emergency electrician:

1. Check no isolator swtich has been turned off by accident
2. Turn off the appliances and lights in the affected part of the house, otherwise the electrics could just keep tripping.
3. Locate your fuse box  – this could be in the basement, close to the front door or in a cupboard in the front bedroom or lounge. This isn’t an exhaustive list – you may need to have a look around.
   If you are unsure how to check your fuse box, click to view this video
4. Check all of the circuit breakers are in the ON position. If they aren’t, turn them all the way off and then ON.
5. Wait 20 seconds to check the circuit breaker doesn’t trip again. If it does, you probably haven’t unplugged the faulty item, so check again.
6. If the circuit breaker doesn’t trip, you can turn on one item at a time. If the circuit breaker trips as you turn an item on, then it is likely that this one is causing the fault. Leave this item off.

If the circuit breaker keeps tripping and you are sure you have unplugged all appliances, you will need an electrician. If it is your appliance causing the fault, you will be responsible for fixing or disposing of it

Please note you may be liable for any call out charge if the problem turns out to be user error.

If you have no water at all

If you have no water at all, in the first instance contact Thames Water on
0800 316 9800 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) as it is probable there is a temporary problem with the supply in your area.

Alternatively, Thames Water post any major emergencies on their website.

Most houses or flats have a mains wired fire alarm system installed. These systems range from consisting of a control panel (Grade A or B), to those without a control panel (Grade D).

• Properties without a control panel system (including flats with a control panel in the communal area)
  It is the tenant’s responsibility to carry out basic maintenance which includes:
  
  • Cleaning the smoke detectors by wiping and hoovering them.
  • Checking the smoke detectors by use of the test button to check they sound – this should be done at least weekly.
  • Replacing the batteries as necessary – the smoke detectors are designed to ‘beep’ when the batteries are getting low. Most of these detectors use a 9 volt ‘square’ battery. The smoke detectors remove from their base in a variety of methods but usually twist or slide off.
• Properties with a control panel system
  It is the tenant’s responsibility to carry out basic maintenance which includes:
  • Checking the control panel and reporting any faults to Findlay Property.
  • Not interfering with the detectors – these typically don’t have batteries that need changing.
  • Cleaning the smoke detectors by wiping and hoovering them.
  • Not to disconnect the battery in the control panel even if it ‘beeps’ – you will be charged a callout fee to re-set the panel if this happens.

Both types of systems comprise of heat and smoke detectors. This means that, sometimes, even where there is smoke, the detectors are designed not to trigger in order to minimize false alarms in areas such as the kitchen. For example, if somebody burns their bread in the toaster, the heat detector in the kitchen shouldn’t trigger. The positioning and types of systems vary in different types of properties.

Under the terms of your tenancy agreement, all communal areas including external courtyards, gardens and porches should be kept in a clean and tidy condition. This includes keeping them clear of rubbish, cutting grass and trimming back foliage.

If you have any suggestions we can put forward to your landlord in order to assist you in carrying out your obligations, please contact us.

An important part of keeping your garden clean is to prevent the attraction of rats, mice or other vermin. You will also need to ensure that your property is internally kept as clean as possible in order to deter pests such as mice, rats and bugs. Only put your bin bags out on the day they are due to be collected.

Note: Findlay Property operate a “21 day pest policy” whereby we will deal with any reports of pests within the first 21 days of you living at the property, but after then it will be your responsibility.

This will only apply if you have a gas central heating system, and should help your radiators increase their heat output if the top of the radiator feels cold, and the bottom feels warm.

Before you follow these stages, check the thermostatic valves on the radiators to control the heat are adjusted correctly!

1. Turn the central heating system off or you could make the problem worse!
   You will need a radiator bleed key or a screwdriver (depending on the type of the radiator) – these can be purchased cheaply from a hardware store such as B&Q
2. Have an old rag ready as water will come out of the radiator
3. Turn the key/screwdriver counter clockwise slowly, only 1/4 or 1/2 a turn is necessary. You should hear air leaving the radiator and continue to let the air out until water is released from the radiator
4. Close the valve fully
   Check the pressure on your boiler as the pressure may have reduced in the boiler by following these steps

If your radiator still isn’t working properly then please contact Findlay Property.

What is condensation?

There is always moisture in the air. Condensation occurs when the air gets colder and it can no longer hold all of the moisture, so tiny droplets of water appear. An example of this is when the bathroom mirror mists over if you have a shower or bath.

Condensation mainly occurs in cold weather, whether it is dry or raining. It does NOT leave a ‘tidemark’ or tea-coloured stain. It appears on cold surfaces and in places where there is little air movement e.g. room corners, near windows, behind wardrobes or cupboards.

How to avoid condensation

Some ventilation is needed to get rid of moisture being produced all of the time, including that from people breathing. Keep a small window ajar.

You need much more ventilation in the kitchen or bathroom when cooking, washing up, bathing/showering or drying clothes. This is especially the case in houses occupied by more than 1 or 2 people where these rooms are in greater use.

Avoid putting too many items in wardrobes and cupboards as this stops air circulating. Leave a space between the wardrobe and the wall. Where possible put freestanding furniture against internal walls (i.e. walls with a room on both sides) rather than outside walls.

In cold weather the best way to keep rooms warm enough to avoid condensation is to keep low background heating on all day, even when no-one is home. This is particularly the case in flats or apartments where bedrooms aren’t above a warm living room.

Is it Condensation?

Condensation is not the only cause of damp. It can also come from:

• Leaking pipes, wastes or overflows.
• Rain seeping through the roof where a tile or slate is missing, spilling from a blocked gutter, penetrating window frames or leaking through a cracked pipe.
• Rising damp due to defective damp-course.

These causes of damp cause a tea coloured ‘tidemark’, making this type of cause easily identifiable.

The mould issue is almost universal in London property – we live in an often damp climate and struggle to remain dry, and this damp can lead to mould. It’s a particular issue in older properties with new double glazing as there is less of a through-flow of air. The advantage is added warmth in winter, but the disadvantage that you need to be rigorous in damp management.

For this reason, we recommend opening windows on both sides of the house for a sufficient time in the morning, making sure doors in between are held open. You need to factor this into your routine – if it’s cold you can open windows, put a coat on, do 30 mins chores, close up and go.

It really is down to how long you let the air come through. If you object to the sufficient degree of ventilation – eg., if it’s particularly cold – you can do a daily wipe where the condensation is collecting, before the mould gets established.

Sometimes mould collects behind furniture, and it can also help to move items away from the wall, but the emphasis is “Whole House Ventilation.”

It’s recommended to keep specialist anti-mould cleaners in your home for regular cleaning, but time and again experience shows that increasing ventilation is the answer.

Key concepts – “whole-house” and “through-flow of air”-

How to Keep Your Flat Free from Mould?

Condensation is the main reason for mould appearance in a home, especially in cold weather. Mould and mildew thrive in a moist environment. To keep your home mould free this winter, check our tips below.

What is Condensation?

Cooking, washing, showering, bathing and drying clothes inside your property will release moisture and vapour into the air. If these vapours get in contact with cold surfaces such as windows, mirrors or walls, the result is condensation – small droplets of water. The damp left from condensation can create a thriving environment for mould on walls, wood, fabric, furniture, and carpets.

How to Control the Humidity

Mould is fungus and needs moisture to develop. You need to reduce condensation and get rid of dampness to prevent mould growth.

Produce Less Moisture

• Hang your laundry outside, or dry it in the bathroom, keeping the window open.
• Use lids on pans when cooking. Always turn the extractor hood while cooking.
• Make sure your bathroom fan is turned on after taking a shower or a bath.
• Wipe up wet surfaces after every use – kitchen worktops, bathroom tiles, sinks etc.

Ventilate Regularly

• Keep bathroom and kitchen doors closed when you are in the room, even if there are extractor fans.
• Ventilate kitchens and bathrooms after every use.
• Ventilate wardrobes and cupboards.
• Place furniture at least 2 inches from walls to allow airflow.

Heating and Insulation

• Proper heating will keep your home warmer and lower the humidity levels inside.
• Keeping constant temperature with low background heating in cold weather will also help reduce condensation.
• Getting an air dehumidifier is a good option for lowering the moisture at home.

How to Prevent Mould Growth at Home?

• Clean and disinfect humid areas at home – bathroom and kitchen. There is wide variety of anti mould products that can help you clean and prevent mould.
• Clean behind large pieces of furniture at least twice a year

Reducing the moisture and regular cleaning are essential for preventing mould appearance in your home.

How do you clean mould?

Don’t disturb the mould with a brush or dry cloth as you’ll disperse the spores. Experts advise using a mould spray that contains a biocide such as DDAC – about 1 or 2%. As with bleach, don’t inhale it or get it on your skin. Keep the window open while using it, take sensible precautions and avoid long-term exposure.

How can I stop mould in my wardrobe?

When wardrobes are full, air struggles to circulate, and when fitted against a cold wall, damp can cause your clothes and shoes to go mouldy. There are insulating products that you can stick on the back wall yourself (usually foam based) just to take the cold edge off. There are also disposable dehumidifying sachets that collect water and then you bin them. Small dehumidifiers are also a big help. 

In short:

• Wipe down affected areas with specialist DDAC mould spray. This can be purchased from most supermarkets or hardware shops.
• Avoid using products like bleach or washing up liquid as they do not kill the mould effectively.
• Wipe down surfaces where moisture settles.
• Ventilate your home by opening windows and vents each day.
• It is important not to disturb the mould by vacuuming because this can increase risk of breathing problems

This can be defined as “an action likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress or behaviour which prevents others from enjoying an acceptable quality of life”.

Tenants should ensure that nothing that they or their visitors do will interfere with other occupants within the house or the neighbourhood.

The result of anti-social behaviour on the part of a tenant and/or any of their visitors could include eviction and if there is excessive noise you could be referred to the Local Authority’s Noise Pollution Team, who could serve notice, prosecute or even fine you up to £5,000. They could even seize your equipment permanently.

All out of hours noise complaints for car and property alarms can be made direct to your local council.