Gas appliances (important information)

We'll contact you to arrange a yearly service on all gas appliances.  It’s a legal requirement and you must allow access for the test to be done. 

If you suspect a gas leak:

  • Turn off the gas at the meter 
  • Extinguish all naked flames 
  • Don't smoke
  • Don't turn on any switches or electrical appliances
  • Open all doors and windows
  • Call Transco on 0800 111 999.

 

Boiler not functioning/firing

If the boiler is not functioning/firing, check the following points before contacting us:

  1. Have you read and followed instructions in the boiler manual?
  2. Is there power to the boiler?  
  3. Have you turned the boiler on?
  4. Has there been a power cut? If yes, press the boiler reset button
  5. The programmer should be in the “ON” period.  If not, turn to the “ON” position
  6. If the room thermostat is set too low, the boiler will not come on
  7. Has the room temperature been reached? The boiler will not need to come on if it has.

 

Power Failure

If your lights are not working, make sure there has not been a power cut by checking the street lights are on. Change bulbs if necessary. If none of these apply or the power points (sockets) are not working, try these steps to restore power:

  1. Check the MCB switch (the large black switch on the circuit board). Push the switch to the “OFF” position and then back up to the “ON” position.  Don’t force the switch into the “ON” position if you feel resistance. 
  2. If it trips again, unplug all the appliances on the circuit. Replug them one by one until you find which appliance trips the circuit. Stop using the faulty appliance and get it checked by a qualified electrician.
  3. If it is the property wiring that is at fault, you should contact us  Contact us | Southern Housing and we'll arrange for an electrician to attend.

 

Condensation

When steam or water vapour hits cold surfaces, it causes condensation and can cause mould resulting in damage to clothes, decorations etc.  Condensation is common during the drying-out period in a new home.

Here are some useful tips to minimise condensation:

  • Make sure trickle vents on the windows are open and use your extractor fans in your bathroom and kitchen
  • Heat your home evenly, even rooms you don’t use
  • After a bath or shower, keep the bathroom door closed and the extractor fan on
  • Avoid drying clothes indoors if possible. If this isn’t possible, dry them in a cool area of the premises and ventilate the room well. Don’t use airing cupboards to dry clothes.
  • Cover pots when cooking and open a window slightly to allow air in the room
  • Keep the doors closed when cooking or bathing. This will stop moisture spreading in your home.
  • Allow space between your furniture and walls to increase air circulation

 

Drying Out

Building of new homes uses a significant amount of water. It can take over a year for the structure to completely dry out. Remember to heat your home thoroughly.  Keep the window trickle vents open and extractor fans on to increase airflow. 

 

White marks on wall

You might see a white deposit – known as efflorescence – on the wall. It’s caused by natural salts coming out of the wall materials during the drying out period.

It’s not a major problem and should disappear over time. You can get rid of it by wiping it or brushing it off.

 

Flooring

The flooring in the kitchen and bathroom are non-slip vinyl.  Clean floors with a little warm water and a little detergent. Do not use bleach or scouring agents. Those will damage the surface enabling dirt to build up more easily. The manufacturers recommend you don’t apply sealers to your floors. These coatings have a tendency to discolour and require removal.  

Do not drill or fix any item to the floor. There may be under floor heating in the property.  You could drill through a heating pipe, which may cause a leak. 

 

Roof

Don’t use the roof space for storage. The roof trusses are not designed to take the extra weight. 

There is 200mm of rockwool insulation in the roof space.  If this needs to be disturbed, everyone should wear masks. Access the roof space using the walkways provided.  Don’t store items on the insulation.

 

Bathroom fixtures 

Whilst the bath or sink will resist light or soft objects (toothbrushes, razors etc) being dropped onto them, they may chip or break the glaze if you use heavy or sharp objects such as tools, screwdrivers, heavy pots etc. Avoid standing in the bath wearing shoes as this may scratch the bottom of the bath.

 

Telephone 

You’ll need to contact BT for a connection to be made at your own cost. All the necessary cabling has been installed but they will need to make it live when you apply for a landline. Have all your points connected at the same time to prevent being charged for additional visits.

A telephone outlet point has been left for you to install an approved appliance. This is located near the aerial point within your living room and main bedroom.


Television 

A satellite has been fitted to your building.  TV aerial sockets are fitted in the lounge and main bedroom. Follow the manufacturer’s installation manual to connect in your TV. 

 

Walls and ceilings

All walls and ceilings consist of plasterboard attached to timber studs. Please don’t hang heavy items from them. We recommend you find a reputable tradesperson to hang items such as flat screen TVs. You can look at online databases such as www.trustatrader.com to find one.

Always use the correct fixings to minimise damage to walls and ceiling. When drilling into any wall, be careful of electrical wiring. (Wiring usually runs vertically above or below an electrical fitting. This may not always be the case.) 

 

Washing machine

A washing machine space with a cold water valve connection is available in the kitchen. The washing machine should be installed by a reputable plumber. Always follow the manufacturer’s installation guide. 

 

Water  

Your water meter is located either in the footpath outside your front door or in the riser cupboard located in the stairwell

Your hot water temperature is pre-set between 420C and 520C by the manufacturer.
If the water is not heating up, check the central heating programmer is on the correct setting.

  • Check and reset if necessary
  • Make sure the boiler in the kitchen is in the “ON” position
  • Check that the water temperature on the boiler is set to correct temperature.

If there is a water leak, turn off water from main water stop valve and contact us.

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