General Home Care

Common Tasks:

• Cleaning: Regularly clean all surfaces, floors, bathrooms, and kitchens to prevent build-up and maintain hygiene.
• Ventilation: Open windows regularly, especially after showering or cooking, to prevent condensation and improve air quality.
• Light Bulbs: Replace blown light bulbs. Ensure you use the correct wattage and type.
• Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Test alarms weekly by pressing the test button. Report any non-working alarms to FlatHomes immediately.
• Batteries: Replace batteries in remote controls, clocks, and other battery-operated devices as needed.

Troubleshooting:

• Minor Scuffs/Marks: Often removable with a gentle cleaner and soft cloth.
• Dust Build-up: Regular dusting prevents accumulation. Pay attention to vents and behind appliances.

When to Report to FlatHomes:

• Smoke or carbon monoxide alarms that are not working after battery replacement.
• Any significant damage to walls, floors, or ceilings not caused by normal wear and tear.
• Persistent odours that cannot be identified or resolved.

Plumbing & Water

Common Tasks:

• Clear Drains: Regularly remove hair and debris from bath, shower, and sink drains to prevent blockages. Use a drain unblocker for minor clogs.
• Check for Leaks: Periodically check under sinks, around toilets, and near appliances (washing machine, dishwasher) for any signs of leaks.
• Prevent Freezing Pipes (Winter): Keep heating on low during cold spells, especially if away. Open cupboard doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate.

Troubleshooting:

• Slow Drain: Try a plunger or a domestic drain unblocker.
• Running Toilet: Check if the flapper or chain inside the cistern is properly seated.
• Low Water Pressure: Check if stopcocks are fully open. Sometimes a local issue, check with neighbours.

When to Report to FlatHomes:

• Any persistent leaks, drips, or bursts pipes.
• Blocked drains that cannot be cleared with standard methods.
• No hot water or heating (if it's a boiler issue, see Heating section).
• Toilet not flushing properly after basic checks.
• Any signs of water damage (e.g., damp patches on walls/ceilings).

Electrical Issues

Common Tasks:

• Plug Safety: Ensure plugs are correctly wired and not overloaded. Avoid using damaged cables or plugs.
• Appliance Care: Clean appliance filters (e.g., tumble dryer lint filter) regularly.

Troubleshooting:

• Blown Fuse/Tripped Breaker: If an appliance causes a trip, unplug it. Reset the breaker. If it trips again, do not use that appliance and report.
• No Power to a Socket: Check if other sockets in the same room work. It might be a tripped breaker for that circuit.

When to Report to FlatHomes:

• Frequent tripping of the fuse box/consumer unit.
• Sparks or burning smells from sockets or appliances.
• Loss of power to an entire circuit or the whole property.
• Damaged sockets, light switches, or exposed wiring.
• Any issues with fixed electrical appliances provided by the landlord.

Heating & Hot Water

Common Tasks:

• Bleeding Radiators: If radiators are cold at the top but warm at the bottom, they may need bleeding to release trapped air. (Instructions often found online or in boiler manual).
• Boiler Pressure: Check the boiler pressure gauge periodically. If it's too low, you may need to top it up (refer to boiler manual or FlatHomes for guidance).

Troubleshooting:

• No Heating/Hot Water:
  • Check the thermostat settings and ensure it's turned up.
  • Check the boiler's display for any error codes and note them down.
  • Ensure the boiler has power and the fuse switch is on.
  • Check boiler pressure (as above).

When to Report to FlatHomes:

• Complete loss of heating or hot water that cannot be resolved by basic troubleshooting.
• Boiler displaying error codes you don't understand.
• Strange noises coming from the boiler or heating system.
• Gas leaks (smell of gas) - **IMMEDIATELY turn off gas supply at the meter, open windows, evacuate, and call Gas Emergency Service (0800 111999) and then FlatHomes.**
• Radiators not heating up despite bleeding and adequate boiler pressure.

Damp & Mould

Common Tasks:

• Ventilation: Use extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens. Open windows for 15-20 minutes daily, even in winter, to allow moist air to escape.
• Drying Clothes: Dry clothes outdoors if possible. If drying indoors, ensure good ventilation and keep doors to other rooms closed.
• Heating: Maintain a consistent background heat to prevent cold spots where condensation can form.
• Wipe Down: Wipe away condensation from windows and cold surfaces daily.
• Minor Mould: Small patches of surface mould can often be cleaned with a fungicidal spray or a solution of water and white vinegar (ensure good ventilation while cleaning).

Troubleshooting:

• Condensation: Often caused by insufficient ventilation or heating. Implement the "Common Tasks" above.

When to Report to FlatHomes:

• Large or rapidly spreading patches of mould.
• Mould returning quickly after cleaning.
• Damp patches on walls or ceilings that are not related to condensation (e.g., from a leak).
• Persistent musty smells.
• Any signs of penetrating damp (e.g., dampness appearing after heavy rain).

For more detailed information, please refer to our dedicated guide on dealing with damp and mould:

Garden Maintenance (If Applicable)

Common Tasks:

• Lawn Care: Mow the lawn regularly during growing seasons.
• Weeding: Keep flowerbeds and paved areas free of weeds.
• Clear Paths/Drains: Ensure paths, patios, and outdoor drains are clear of leaves and debris.
• Bin Storage: Store bins neatly and correctly according to local council guidelines.

When to Report to FlatHomes:

• Issues with landlord-provided garden equipment (e.g., broken lawnmower).
• Damage to fences, gates, or external structures.
• Large trees or shrubs that require professional pruning (if not explicitly your responsibility in the contract).
• Serious drainage issues in the garden.

For more detailed information, please refer to our guide on maintaining your garden:

When to Report to FlatHomes

As a general rule, you should report any issue that:

• Poses a risk to health or safety.
• Causes significant damage to the property.
• Affects the structural integrity of the property.
• Involves the central heating, hot water, or essential utilities (gas, electricity, water supply).
• Cannot be resolved by simple troubleshooting or minor maintenance tasks you are responsible for.
• Is a landlord's responsibility as outlined in your occupation contract.

For all maintenance requests, please use our dedicated online reporting portal. For emergencies, please call our emergency line immediately.

If you have any other questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact our team: