An emergency is considered to be any occurrence where there is actual danger to the occupants of the building, staff or visitors, or there is potential for further damage to the property.

Examples of emergencies are:

• Uncontrollable leak or flooding.
• Broken window
• No heating (during winter)
• Total loss of Electricity
• Exposed electrics which pose an electrocution risk.
• Severe Roof leak
• All toilets out of service.
• Fire Alarm system failure.
• No supply of water or hot water.
• Break in, resulting in security risk.
• Broken glazing.
• Damaged lock – if you cannot enter or secure the property.
• Carbon monoxide leak

If you have a maintenance emergency please call our maintenance helpdesk on 01772 439 061 Examples of things which are NOT emergencies are:

• Appliances not working
• Can’t get TV signal
• Doors are squeaking.
• Mould or condensation
• Scaled up shower head
• Decoration
• General gardening/cleaning
• Dripping tap/pipe/radiator (where the leak can be contained)
• Damaged furniture
• Blown lightbulb

If you need to report a maintenance issue, please call our helpdesk on 01772 439 061 Please note that misuse of the emergency maintenance facility will result in charges being made back to the residents.

If you find that you have no heating and hot water the issue is likely to be connected to the boiler. Sometimes a boiler will have a fault and will require resetting. You can do this by turning it off and back on again. Some heating and hot water systems controlled by a timer or thermostat which is found on a control unit on the wall. Make sure that the timer is set to ‘on’ and that the thermostat is set to the desired temperature. If you have had to turn the switch to ‘on’ or turn the the heating up, it may take some time to reach the desired temperature. If the timer is set so that heating and hot water is ‘off’ at the time you wish to use it, you may be able to get a supply for one hour by pressing the ‘heating advance’ or ‘hot water advance’ buttons. If your boiler has lost pressure you will see the pressure gauge on ‘0’. You may need to add pressure using the filling loop. Once the pressure is at the correct level you will need to turn off the filling loop. If you have a top-up electricity or gas meter, you may have run out of credit for it and require a top-up. If after following the above steps you still have a problem, please call our maintenance helpdesk on 01772 439 061

If you have found a sink or toilet to be blocked, please take the following steps to attempt to remove the blockage.

• Pour some hot, soapy water into the bowl. Allow some time for the water to sink into the pipework. Try this several times if possible and the blockage may break up. Also try to use commercially available products to disperse the blockage.
• Use a plunger which can be purchased from most supermarkets and DIY stores. Make sure there is enough water in the bowl to cover the rubber part of the plunger and pump it up and down. You may need to cover the overflow in a sink to create a seal.

If after following the above steps you still have a problem, please call our maintenance helpdesk on 01772 439 061. If the blockage was found to have been caused by excessive volumes of paper, or foreign objects such as wet wipes, the resident(s) may be charged the full cost of clearing the blockage.

Water leaks can occur for a number of reasons, including damage to pipework or roofing, a fault developing with an appliance that uses water, and sanitary items overflowing – like baths, showers, sinks and toilets. In the event of a leak it is important that you identify what is leaking and make sure the water is turned off to stop the leak from getting worse. If you notice a water leak please turn off the water at the stopcock and place a container underneath the source to avoid further damage. Any water leaks should be reported to Ready4Home immediately to 01772 439 061. When bathing please make sure shower or bath mats are in use to catch escaping water, and ensure that the bath is not filled so high that it overflows. After bathing, be sure to check the floor for excess water and mop up any spills if necessary to prevent water from getting to places it isn’t supposed to be.

Regular build-ups of condensation can allow a fungus known as ‘black mould’ to grow on walls, ceilings, clothes and furniture. As well as affecting plasterwork and rotting window frames, black mould can have a negative effect on your health if the mould is not treated promptly. Mould can be a particular problem in the colder months when residents will often keep windows closed and clothes will be dried inside the home. To prevent condensation and mould you should maintain a constant balance of warmth and ventilation in your home. Mould can be treated very easily by wiping off as much as is possible using a fungicidal wash, ensuring the instructions are being closely followed. Fungicidal wash can be bought from most supermarkets and hardware stores. Repaint the affected surface using a fungicidal paint and dry any wet surfaces, such as windows and windowsills daily to help prevent the mould returning. Windows should be left partially open to allow for adequate ventilation. To avoid the buildup of condensation and the growth of mould in your home.

Try following these six simple steps:

1. Produce less moisture
2. Remove excess moisture
3. Open the Windows
4. Heat your home more
5. Insulate and draught-proof
6. Kill and remove the mould

Residents have a responsibility to ensure their home is adequately ventilated to avoid mould growth. Instances of mould should be reported as soon as they are identified in order for advice to be given. Please take extra precautions against condensation and mould during the winter months. If you have identified mould please report it to Ready4Home by calling 01772 439 061