Your Home - Cymdeithas Tai Clwyd

IMPORTANT DOCUMENT - KEEP SAFE FOR USE IN EMERGENCIES
Your Home
A guide for looking after your home
If you require this document in a different format, for example large print,
please contact us.
54 VALE STREET
DENBIGH DENBIGHSHIRE
LL16 3BW
( 0845 230 3140
2 0870 458 5994
8 cynnalachadw@taiclwyd.com
: www.taiclwyd.com
UNIT 8, PENLLYN WORKSHOPS
ARAN STREET
BALA
GWYNEDD, LL23 7SP
( 0845 230 3150
2 0870 458 5996
8 bala@taiclwyd.com
: www.taiclwyd.com
Contents
Repairs
Page
Who is responsible for fixing the fault?
How quickly will the fault be fixed?
Emergency
Urgent
General
3
4
4
5
Looking After Your Home
Part 1 : Essential Services
Electricity
Water
Gas
6
7
7
Part 2: Heating your Home
Central Heating Systems
Electrical Heating
Chimneys and Flues
Fixed Flueless Gas Appliances
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9
10
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Part 3:
Alterations and Extentions
Structural Alterations and Extentions
Electrical Alterations
Gas Alterations
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Part 4:
Your Loft Space
Structure
Storage
Ventilation
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Part 5:
Home Safety
Fire Doors
Smoke Alarms
Electricity
Gas
Combustion Ventilation
Unvented Hot Water Storage Systems
Using Ladders
Lighting
Connecting Appliances
Artex textured finishes
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At the end of your tenancy, the property should be returned
CLEAN AND TIDY
If furniture, carpets, or rubbish is left, or malicious damage has been caused to the property, you
will be invoiced for the cost of cleaning and the repair of damage to the property
Who fixes the fault?
When an item is broken or does not work, please check the table to see who is responsible
for repairing or renewing the item concerned. If it is our responsibility, then contact us in
person, by phone, in writing or e-mail us. Please give your name, address and telephone
number where we can leave a message if necessary.
Items the Tenant is responsible for:
Items that Cymdeithas Tai Clwyd is
responsible for:
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Individual television aerials and / or satellite
dish, including cables and sockets
Lost or maliciously damaged keys
Malicious damage to external and internal
doors
Malicious damage to glass panes in windows
and doors
Malicious damage to the internal or external
structure of the property
Cutting doors to fit carpet
All decoration within the property
All floor coverings fitted by tenant
All electrical plugs, fuses, internal and external
bulbs, fluorescent tubes and starters
Renewing smoke detector batteries and
inspecting on a regular basis
Fitting and maintenance of washing
machines, dryers, fridges, freezers, cookers
and other electrical equipment belonging to
the tenant
Cleaning and sweeping chimney regularly
Washing lines including rotary lines (Single
houses only)
Gardens and hedges
Cleaning gullies to rainwater pipes and
kitchen sink
Toilet seat
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Communal television aerials and satellite
dishes
Roof, slates and tiles
Chimney stacks and pots
Brickwork and pebble dashing
Fascia boards and soffits
Repairs to gutters and rainwater pipes
Soil-vent and waste pipes
Manholes, gullies, blocked drains and W.C’s
Walls and fences
Paths from front gate to front and back
doors
Doors – internal and external
Door furniture, both internal and external
Windows and glazing
Common areas
Garages forming part of the structure
Painting – external and communal area
Plastering
Floorboards, skirtings, architraves and
stairs
Floor tile repairs where fitted by C.T.C
Baths, basins, W.C’s, sinks, showers, kitchen
units
All plumbing, heating and electrical
installations where fitted by C.T.C
Fire baskets, frets, bars, cheeks, etc – one
supplied per annum where necessary
Fire alarms, panel system smoke detectors
Insurance to building structure
If the fault is the Association’s responsibilty, you will need to contact us to report the fault.
The work will then be classed as Emergency, Urgent or General depending on the type of
fault reported. On the next pages the types of faults are described, along with target times
for completing the work.
Important:
YOU ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO OBTAIN CONTENT INSURANCE COVER,
Cymdeithas Tai Clwyd cannot reimburse you for any damage to your property.
EMERGENCY
within 24 hours
A REPAIR SHOULD BE DEFINED AS EMERGENCY WHEN:
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It’s a danger to the tenants health
It’s a risk to the safety of tenants
There is a risk of serious damage to the
building
Builder
Plumber
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Locks broken - affecting
security
Windows broken - make
safe board up
Dangerous collapsed wall
Broken man hole cover
- make safe
Blocked mains drains, soil
pipe or toilet
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Total loss of water reinstate
Burst Water main - make
safe, reinstate
Flooding - make safe
Loss of gas supply
Gas leak - make safe
Partial loss of Heating /
water heating between
October and April
Partial loss of heating
/ water for elderly or
vulnerable tenants
between May to
September
The tenants’ comfort or convenience is
seriously affected
A risk of serious damage to the building
including loss by theft
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Major Electrical fault make safe
Total loss of electricity
- reinstate
Partial loss of Heating /
water heating between
October and April
Unsafe electrical fittings
The disrepair will cause the occupant to
incur expenses
Plumber
Replace damaged glass in •
window/door
Damaged banisters / rails •
New locks if affecting
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security
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There is a risk of serious damage to tenants
property
There is a risk of loss of tenants’ property,
including loss by theft
Electrician
URGENT
within 5 working days
A REPAIR SHOULD BE DEFINED AS URGENT WHEN:
Builder
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Partial loss of water
supply
Total loss of communal
lighting
Loss of heating or water
heating between May to
September
Overflows from WCs and
tanks
Toilet flush cistern not
working
Minor water leaks in
property
Partial loss of heating /
water heating between
May to September
Electrician
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Faulty extractor fan
Failure to door entry
system
Faulty bulb holders
Loss of heating or water
heating between May to
September
Partial loss of heating /
water heating between
April to October
GENERAL
within 28 days
A REPAIR SHOULD BE DEFINED AS NON-URGENT WHERE:
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It does not fall into the emergency or
urgent category
It can wait for a short time before being
dealt with
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The work can be reasonably and efficiently
batched with other repairs or incorporated
into a planned programme within a
reasonable timescale
Builder
Plumber
Electrician
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Blocked or leaking
guttering
Damp proof courses
Roof repairs
New bath or kitchen units
Replacements doors and
window frames
Re-lay concrete paths
Re-lay uneven paving
paths
Replace manhole covers
Fit new gate
Repair garden fencing
Repair brickwork,
chimneys, eaves and
ridges
Minor plumbing repairs
Dripping taps
Work that can be
reasonably batched
Minor repair work
Work that can be
reasonably batched
Contacting us to report a fault
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To report maintenance work during office hours, call 0845 230 3140
To report emergency maintenance work outside office hours call 0845 230 3140
Call into one of our offices either in Denbigh or Bala during office opening hours:
Monday – Thursday 9.00 a.m. – 4.30 p.m.
Friday 9.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m.
Contact us via the website or e-mail - cynnalachadw@taiclwyd.com
A Practical Guide to Looking After
Your Home
PART 1: Essential Services
ELECTRICITY
Electricity is normally supplied through an underground cable, which is connected to your electricity
meter. Cables leading from the meter are connected to your consumer unit.
The consumer unit contains the main on/off switch and a number of miniature circuit breakers
(MCBs), which protect individual circuits. MCBs are provided to automatically disconnect the supply
of electricity if one of the circuits is overloaded or if there is a fault. They can be reset by returning
the switch to the ‘on’ position.
In addition there may be a residual current device
(RCD) which provides additional shock protection
particularly for appliances used outside the home.
An RCD which has ‘tripped’ can be reset by returning
the switch to the ‘on’ position. The correct operation
of the RCD should be checked from time to time by
pressing the ‘test’ button.
Consumer Unit (Fusebox) Parts:
A = Main On/Off Switch
B = Circuit Breakers
C = Residual Current Device
If a miniature circuit breaker or residual current device trips repeatedly this may indicate
a fault with an appliance or the installation. You should contact Cymdeithas Tai Clwyd to
arrange a competent electrician to investigate the cause of the problem. You must not keep
resetting an MCB or RCD that trips repeatedly.
Electricity is distributed around the home by cables, which are normally concealed in floors and
walls. The builder should have run all cables that are not protected by metal conduit (pipe) in the
following areas of the wall:
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Vertically above or below a socket outlet or switch being served.
Horizontally either side of the socket or switch.
Horizontally in a band within 150mm (6”) of the ceiling.
Vertically in a band within 150mm (6”) of the corner of a room in each wall.
Cables may run in any position above a ceiling or under a floor.
Before fixing furniture or carrying out any DIY to walls, floors and ceilings always check for buried
pipes and cables using a detector from DIY stores.
WATER
Water is supplied by the water company through an underground service pipe which is fitted with
a stopvalve at the boundary to your property for use by the water company in an emergency. As
it enters your home, its flow is controlled by the main stopvalve, which allows you to turn off the
supply in an emergency or for maintenance.
It is important for you to know where the main stopvalve is.
Please contact us if you do not know where your stop tap is located.
Overflows and warning pipes
If you notice water dripping or flowing from an overflow or warning pipe, you should contact
Cymdeithas Tai Clwyd without delay. It may indicate that a float-operated valve on a storage
cistern or wc cistern, or that an unvented hot water storage system, needs attention.
Toilet
We have labled the diagram opposite so that in the event of
damage, you will be able to report clearly to the Association /
Contractor what part needs to be fixed (Please note that as the
tenant, you are responsible for the toilet seat).
GAS
Gas is brought into your home through a service pipe that terminates at the control valve by the
meter.
The gas meter is usually outside the building; either on the wall or partially buried in the ground.
Gas is distributed to the central heating boiler and other gas appliances through pipework, which
may be concealed in floors and walls.
The installation and repair of gas appliances should only be carried out by a CORGI
(Council of Registered Gas Installers) registered installer.
Before fixing anything to walls, floors and ceilings always check for buried
pipes and cables using detector.
PART 2: Heating your Home
CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS
Many homes are fitted with a hot water central heating system, consisting of a boiler and radiators,
a pump and controls. Water heated by the boiler is pumped around the radiators through
pipework that is usually concealed in the floors and walls.
Bolier Control Panel Key
A = Pilot Light
B = Water Temperature Control
C = Pressure Gauge
Before fixing anything to walls, floors and ceilings always check for buried pipes and
cables using a detector.
For central heating systems with hot water cylinder, water heated by the boiler is also circulated
through a coil to heat the water in the cylinder. Hot water from the cylinder is then distributed to
the hot taps around the home. The temperature of the hot water from the taps is normally set by
adjusting the cylinder thermostat.
A programmer is provided to turn the heating on and off and you should adjust the settings to suit
your own requirements. In cold weather it may be necessary to leave the heating on for longer
periods than in mild weather. A room thermostat and/or thermostatic radiator valves are normally
provided to regulate room temperatures.
For central heating systems which have a combination boiler, there is no hot water cylinder. Water
from the rising main is directly heated in the boiler and distributed to the hot taps around the home.
There should be a control on the boiler to set the temperature of the hot water from the taps.
If you notice that radiators are cool at the top it may indicate that there is air in the system which
needs bleeding.
Re-pressuring a sealed central heating system
Some central heating systems have a small header tank, usually located in the loft space. These
systems do not require re-pressurising. Other systems are ‘sealed’ – they don’t have a header
tank but do have a pressure vessel, either inside the boiler or close to it. There will also be a
pressure gauge, normally on or close to the boiler.
If the pressure gauge indicates that the pressure of the system has dropped, it is necessary
for the system to be re-pressurised. The instructions for the boiler should indicate the correct
pressure for the system and give instructions on how to re-pressurise it.
A filling loop is normally provided close to the boiler for this purpose. To re-pressurise the system,
attach the filling loop between the valves on the heating system and the mains water valve.
Gently open the mains water valve, carefully watching the needle on the pressure gauge. Leave
the mains water valve in the open position until the correct pressure is registered on the gauge. If
you over pressurise the system, excess pressure can be relieved using the pressure relief valve.
Once you have finished, remove the filling loop.
Noise in the Hot Water Tank / Pipes
If you hear the sound of boiling water in the hot or cold water tank, or if the water
temperature seems extremely hot, this can mean that there is a dangerous fault with the
system, please contact Tai Clwyd and we will send a plumber out to investigate the matter.
Bleeding radiators
If you notice that a radiator is cool at the top this may indicate that there is air in the system. This
is common, particularly in systems that have been newly commissioned.
To release the air, first turn off the heating and allow the system to cool. Attach the radiator key to
the bleed valve and turn it anti-clockwise. Open the valve with care – it can come out completely.
Open it just enough to hear the hiss of the air escaping. Hold a cloth under the bleed valve to
catch the water when the last of the air is released. When water comes out, close the bleed valve.
If you do not have a radiator key they are available from DIY or hardware stores.
In the case of sealed heating systems, it may be necessary to re-pressurise the system after
bleeding a radiator.
ELECTRICAL HEATING
The most economical type of electric heating uses a
mixture of storage and direct heaters.
Storage heaters are powered by cheap off-peak electricity.
Heat is stored in high-density blocks during the night and
released gradually during the day. Controls can regulate
about 20 per cent of the heat output by allowing some
of the room air to pass over the hot blocks, setting up a
current of warm air. This can give a boost to the room
temperature during the evening. Some models have a fan,
controlled by a room thermostat.
In a typical system, storage heaters are installed in the
living room, kitchen and hall. Direct heaters provide quick-response heating in bedrooms and
bathroom. A radiant fire is usually installed in a living room to give extra heat and a cosy effect. All
direct heaters use full-price electricity.
CHIMNEYS AND FLUES
A chimney or flue may have been installed in your home. It is
essential that any heating appliance used is appropriate for the
type of chimney or flue installed. If you are going to have an
appliance installed, it must be suitable for the type of chimney
or flue you have – Cymdeithas Tai Clwyd will ask an installer
registered with one of the following organisations for advice:
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CORGI
(Council of Registered Gas Installers) for gas appliances.
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Oftec
(Oil Firing Technical Association for the Petrol Industry) for oil
fired appliances.
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HETAS
(Heating Equipment Testing and Approvals Scheme) for solid fuel appliances.
It is important that appliances are operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Chimneys
Chimneys should be swept at least once a year to prevent chimney fires and the risk or carbon
monoxide poisoning.
Flue terminals
Be careful to ensure that flues are not covered over, blocked or modified. They should not be
enclosed by extensions such as porches or conservatories.
FIXED FLUELESS GAS APPLIANCES
Some modern gas heaters (fixed flueless gas appliances) are not connected to a chimney or flue.
It is important that these are operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. They
are not suitable as the principal heat source.
Where ventilators are provided (usually in the wall or floor) they should not be covered
over. They supply air to ensure appliances work properly. Covering them could cause a
build up of dangerous gases.
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PART 3: Alterations and Extensions
STRUCTURAL ALTERATIONS AND EXTENTIONS
Before altering or extending, you must obtain permission from Cymdeithas Tai Clwyd.
Any structural alteration, extension or conversion of your house will have to comply with Building
Regulations – in which case you will need formal permission from your local authority. Planning
permission may also be necessary. Building Regulation and Planning permission are different, so
approval for one does not signify approval for the other.
If you do not get permission the work may be illegal and you may be in breach of your tenancy
agreement.
ELECTRICAL ALTERATIONS
Work should be carried out by a professional electrician. The National Inspection Council for
Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC) and the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) keep
a register of approved firms.
GAS ALTERATIONS
Work on the gas installation in your home should only be undertaken by a CORGI (Council of
Registered Gas Installers) registered installer.
PART 4: Your loft space
STRUCTURE
All roof timbers are necessary for the support of the roof and should not be cut or removed.
STORAGE
Lofts are not generally intended to be used as a storage space; the structure of the roof is not
likely to have been designed to take the additional load of stored items and the loft insulation may
prevent safe access.
VENTILATION
Ventilation is provided to control condensation. If vents have been
provided in the eaves they should not be blocked or covered over.
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PART 5: Home Safety
FIRE DOORS
Your home may fitted with one or more fire doors. These are heavier than standard internal doors
and are fitted with self-closing device or raising butt hinges. For your own safety you should not
remove or disable these or leave doors propped open.
SMOKE ALARMS
You should check the operation of smoke alarms on a weekly
basis by pressing the test button. Please contact Cymdeithas
Tai Clwyd if you suspect that your smoke detector is not working.
It is advisable for you to consider how you would escape from
your home in the event of a fire. You should consider where any
keys necessary for escape are kept and familiarise yourself with
the operation of any windows, which you might need to use for
escape.
ELECTRICITY
Electrical alterations should be carried out by competent electrician.
Take care to locate cables using a detector to avoid damaging them if you are doing DIY work.
Do not interfere with earth bonding cables connected to pipework, sinks and radiators, etc. They
are provided for safety.
If a miniature circuit breaker or residual current device trips repeatedly this may indicate a fault
with an appliance of the installation. You should contact Tai Clwyd to investigate the cause of the
problem and not keep resetting an MCB or RCD that trips repeatedly. Take particular care when
using electrical garden tools and appliances outdoors. Be careful to avoid damage to flexes.
Electricity is dangerous and can kill.
GAS
Every year, the Association is required to carry out an inspection on gas boilers and fires. The
inspection is carried out by a CORGI contractor in accordance with the Gas Safety Regulations
1994.
It is very important that you as tenants ensure that our contractors have access to the property
so that they may carry out the inspection for the sake of your own safety and the safety of your
neighbours.
If you suspect a gas leak:
1.
2.
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Extinguish all naked flames.
Turn off the gas at the meter.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Open all doors and windows.
Call the gas company on its emergency number, which is in the phone book under ‘GAS’. There is no call-out charge.
Don’t operate electrical switches –on or off. They may make a spark, that could ignite the gas.
Inform the Association as soon as possible.
Boiler maintenance, installation of gas fires, etc and other alteration and repairs to the gas system
should only be undertaken by a CORGI (Council of Registered Gas Installers) registered installer.
COMBUSTION VENTILATION
In rooms containing a chimney or flue or certain gas, oil or solid fuel appliances there may be
permanent ventilators. Where ventilators are provided (usually in the wall or floor) they should
not be covered over. They provide air to ensure appliances work properly. Covering them could
cause a build up of dangerous gases.
UNVENTED HOT WATER STORAGE SYSTEMS
Unvented hot water storage systems operate under pressure.
Never attempt to service, adjust or alter an unvented system yourself. An explosion could
result.
USING LADDERS
When using ladders it is important that they are tied on to a suitable
rigid fixing to prevent them slipping when in use. Always work with
one hand holding the ladder, and never lean away from the ladder to
reach areas to either side of the work area.
When using a ladder it should be positioned so that for every 1.2
metres (4 feet) the ladder is vertical, the bottom of the ladder should
be 0.3 metres (1 foot) away from the wall.
You should ask a friend to stand at the foot of the ladder.
LIGHTING
Your home may be fitted with some light fittings that can only accept
energy efficient lamps. It is sensible to find out the type of lamps needed
and keep some spares.
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CONNECTING APPLIANCES
Be careful if you are connecting kitchen appliances to the water supply and drainage. Check that
hoses are properly connected and tightened before turning the water on. It is a good idea to recheck the connections once the appliances have been in use for a day or two-dripping connections
can cause serious damage.
ARTEX
Decorative Textured Ceilings
The Association has completed its Condition Survey of all its properties recently and it has noted
that some homes have an ‘Artex’ textured finish applied to ceilings. Tenants are advised not
to attempt to remove this finish or to drill through it as any dust created in the process may be
harmful to your health. If you wish to remove any ‘Artex’ or drill through any, please contact the
Maintenance Dept for advice.
It is perfectly safe for you to paint the ceilings with emulsion paint if you wish to decorate.
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