DIY guides for simple repairs

We want you to make your home your own, but we need to ensure that any changes you plan to make will be safe and suitable for possible future tenants.

If you wish to improve your home - other than decorating or changing the carpet - you will need our permission first.

We may also be able to help with the cost of home improvements or offer compensation if you make improvements to your home and then end your tenancy. Contact us to find out more.

Preparing your home to combat the harsher winter weather can prevent loss of heating or other plumbing issues and help save on your bills.

We have created a list of tips to keep your home safe and warm:

Check your boiler

Turn on the heating via the room thermostat and the time clock. The room thermostat should be set between 18 to 21 degrees Celsius in normal operating conditions.

• Check that all your radiators get hot to the top (if not, it might mean that they need bleeding with a radiator key)
• Check that the pressure gauge on the boiler is above one and not above two
• Check for any signs of distress, leaks, or damage
• Turn it off and make sure that it goes off.

• Get a radiator key, and insert it into the groove in the valve, usually located at the top of your radiator
• Using a tissue/cloth to protect your hand, slowly turn the key in an anticlockwise direction, and listen for a hiss (the air escaping)
• When the hissing stops, turn the key clockwise again
• After this, you will need to check the boiler pressure, and if you need to increase the pressure, you can do this by filling the valve/loop (to about 1 - 1.5 bar).

If you are unsure or in doubt about how to do this, please get in touch.

In freezing weather, if possible, keep your heating on low. If you go away for any time, turn off your water supply at the stop tap and open all the taps. This will prevent your pipes from freezing in cold winter temperatures.

Leaks

You want to watch for a drop in water pressure or a possible increase in your water bill. This could indicate a pipework leak, which will need investigation. Look for leaking taps, hosepipes, washing areas and pressure washers. Over the year, the cost of leaks really can add up, so it pays to ensure your pipework is in order before Jack Frost arrives.