Prepare for winter!

Last year we experienced the worst weather that Britain has seen for around 25 years! The low temperatures caused many problems for our tenants and their heating systems and our repairs service was put under huge pressure. Various things have been put in place to help our engineers be better prepared should the same happen again but we'd also like to let tenants know about ways in which you can help.

British Gas has produced some videos which are available here. The videos will help you to prepare for winter and also show you how you may be able to fix some simple problems yourself, removing the need for an engineer’s visit. The videos cover topics such as how to bleed a radiator and how to defrost a pipe.

Give access for your gas service - it's the law and it keeps you safe!

CNH has a legal duty to carry out annual safety checks to all gas fittings, appliances, pipe work and flues in your home (under the landlord and Tenant Act 1985, the Housing Act 1985 part XVIII and Gas Safety (installations and use) Regulations 1998). In partnership with our gas contractor, PH Jones, we require access to all homes to carry out these checks and to provide a gas repair and maintenance service.

The checks and maintenance help to make sure your gas appliances are working safely and efficiently. This can help to keep you and your neighbours safe and can also help to reduce your fuel bills.

We will therefore;

• Carry out a gas service at your home every year
• Our gas contractor will offer AM and PM appointments for your gas service
• Provide a gas safety certificate upon completion of the gas service
• Maintain the heating and hot water gas appliances in accordance with manufacturers recommendations and test to ensure they are operating safely and efficiently
• Provide a breakdown service, with an out of hours response
• Collect, analyse and monitor customer satisfaction relating to servicing and maintenance of gas appliances in your home.
• Ensure all persons employed by us carrying out gas related works will carry the Gas Safe card. If they do not produce their card which carries their name and the picture of the card holder, do not let them in. You should always check the ID of the operative before allowing them into your home.

Guide to gas servicing of appliances in your home

Your co-operation is requested in providing access when the engineer visits your home. However, every year a small number of tenants make it difficult for us to access their homes and as such we must remind you that it is a condition of your tenancy that you must let us in, for this essential maintenance.

Gas service appointments are available Monday to Friday between 8.00am and 7.30pm and Saturday between 8.00am and 12.00 noon.

When the safety check is due a letter is delivered suggesting an appointment date with an AM or PM time slot. If this is not convenient we ask that you contact us on free phone 0800 587 8099 to arrange an alternative date.

The engineer will then call round at the arranged time to carry out the work. If you are not in the engineer will leave an access arrangement card asking you to contact us to arrange a further access date.

If we don't receive a reply within 3 working days a letter will be sent explaining why it is vital that the safety check is carried out and again asking you to arrange an access date.

If we still don't receive a reply a final letter is hand delivered and a red sticker placed over the lock to the front door detailing a final appointment. The letter details a warning that if access is not gained we will start court action to gain entry to your home and any costs incurred will be charged to you.

If you keep your appointment you will be entered into a monthly that could win you £100.

Servicing gas appliances saves lives; it is a free service that will take no more than 45 minutes of your time to carry out. Please help us to make sure that you and your family are safe in your home.

What details will I need to give?

You will need to give the following:

• Property address
• Details of appointment offered
• Agree a new access date

Will I be given anything to say the job has been done?

On the day the service is carried out you will be left a copy of the ‘Landlords Safety Certificate’ which details that the annual service has been completed.

What if my gas appliance breaks down in between the services?

If the appliance breaks down/stops working you must report the problem direct to our gas contractor P H Jones on:

0800 587 8099

If you need to contact them after 8pm or at the weekend, please call the Out Of Hours number 0844 736 9795

You will need to give the following:

• Property address
• Contact time and telephone number
• Full details of fault/problem encountered

What if I smell gas?

Don’t turn any electric switches on or off (this includes lights).
Don’t smoke.
Don’t use naked flames.
Do turn off the gas supply at the meter.
Do open doors and windows to get rid of the gas
Do call NATIONAL GRID on a mobile away from the property, a neighbours phone or a phone box on free phone number – 0800 111 999
Then call the gas contractor on free phone number – 0800 587 8099.

NATIONAL GRID will attend to ensure the leak is not from a gas main and the gas contractor will attend to carry out remedial work to gas appliances in your home and switch the appliance back on once repaired.

Save money and get the most out of your heating

The dangers of Carbon Monoxide. Be safe not sorry!