Also refer to fire safety.
Communal areas
Please take care to keep the entrances, halls, stairways, passageways, and other common areas clean and free from obstructions.
Do not store bikes or other large objects in these areas. Contact us if you require bike storage facilities.
Kitchen precautions
DO NOT:
- use chip pans
- use metal, tins, or foil in microwaves
- cook if you have been drinking alcohol – get a takeaway instead!
Please ensure that removable cooking filters are cleaned or replaced as necessary every six months.
Heaters
DO NOT:
- use bottled gas (LPG) or paraffin heaters
- use heaters that could be knocked over or moved too close to furniture or curtains.
- dry clothes on top of heaters.
Electric oil-filled radiators, fan, or convector heaters are safer than bar fires if you require additional heating. They do not increase condensation.
Lighting and electrics
Take care with spotlights, desk lamps, and bedside lamps. Keep them away from combustible items and do not drape scarves or other material over lamps.
DO NOT:
- keep lamps or other appliances on when not in use
- overload electrical sockets or light fittings
- use multi-adaptors for more outlets. Use fused plug-boards instead.
- coil or trap electrical wires
- use long extensions or trail leads where they could be a trip hazard.
Roofs and flat roofs
Do not climb onto any flat roofs or roofs. This is dangerous and life-threatening.
Legionnaires disease
A legionnaires disease risk assessment is carried out annually. All tenants must read the following advice.
Domestic hot and cold water systems can provide an environment where Legionella bacteria grows. This can cause Legionnaires’ disease: a potentially fatal form of pneumonia caused by inhalation of small droplets of contaminated water.
Please make sure that:
- hot water in the system remains hot
- cold water is kept cold
- water is kept circulated
Do not interfere with the settings on your boiler or hot water system. The hot water should be set so that the water is heated to 60°C.
Please contact us if:
- The cold water is still running warm after you have run off any water which has accumulated in the pipes. It should not be above 20°C.
- There is debris or discolouration in the water.
- The boiler or hot water tank is not working properly. Hot water should come out at a temperature of 50°C after it has run for a minute.
If showers are used only occasionally, flush them through by running for at least two minutes every week and keep out of the way while this is done. Clean shower heads every three months using de-scaler and disinfectant.
Run all water outlets for at least two minutes when returning to the property after it has been left vacant for more than a few days.
It is the landlord’s responsibility to take precautions and prevent Legionella, but tenants have an important part in making practical precautions.